Old Kannada is the root of modern Kannada, says eminent scholar
Noted scholar Hampa Nagarajaiah on Tuesday (July 28) said old Kannada is the root of the richness of modern Kannada, asserting that classical Kannada literature
Noted scholar Hampa Nagarajaiah on Tuesday (July 28) said old Kannada is the root of the richness of modern Kannada, asserting that classical Kannada literature is far less difficult than perceived and becomes easier to understand through regular reading. He was inaugurating a workshop on reading and interpreting old Kannada texts for research scholars and Kannada lecturers from degree colleges. It was organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture in association with the Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies, University of Mysore, on the university campus.
Nagarajaiah urged teachers to explain classical poetry by familiarising students with “Chandussu, Champakamala, Shardulavikridita, Mattebhavikridita and Utpalamala”, along with the linguistic nuances. Expressing concern over the declining study, teaching and research of old Kannada, he said such workshops are essential to revive interest in the language and preserve its literary heritage. Referring to poet Pampa’s Adipurana, he said the work highlights the importance of experiencing worldly life before attaining renunciation and liberation. Rather than merely translating the Sanskrit Adipurana, Pampa recreated it to reflect Kannada culture and indigenous life, making it a literary masterpiece on par with Vikramarjuna Vijaya, he said.
University of Mysore Vice-Chancellor N.K. Lokanath said the education system had become increasingly examination-oriented, with teachers teaching for examinations and students studying only to score marks, leading to a decline in genuine interest in language and literature. Recalling his own Kannada teachers, he said Karnataka’s literary growth was owed to dedicated teachers and lecturers who inspired generations of students through engaging classroom teaching. While digitisation and preservation of palm-leaf manuscripts are progressing, Prof. Lokanath pointed out that there is a shortage of scholars capable of reading and interpreting them.
Unless the younger generation is introduced to old Kannada, it would amount to an injustice to the State’s rich literary heritage, he said. M. Nanjayya Honganuru, director of the Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies, N.K. Lolakshi, S.D. Shashikala, Nirmala Mathpati, Joint Director of the Department of Kannada and Culture, Assistant Director M.D. Sudarshan, Kannada lecturers and research scholars were present.
The BriefWire