Ananth Murthy bats for Kannada in primary schools

'Earlier, there were able leaders at state level who could have a say' in the important affairs. But the Congress destroyed that structure," Murthy said

Jnanpeeth awardee U R Ananth Murthy batted for the mother tongue as the medium of instruction at the primary school and said the child would be able to gain knowledge in the true sense of the term only through mother tongue.

Inaugurating the second edition of the three-day Dharwad Sahitya Sambhrama at the Golden Jubilee auditorium on Karnatak University campus in Dharwad he said it is the knowledge and skill that makes one employable and the mother tongue is the best medium to gain knowledge during formative years.

Admitting that English was the language that would further enhance the employability and capacities of the children, Ananth Murthy said English should be taught at the secondary level. However he was in favour of English being taught informally as a language at primary level.

Ananth Murthy said Kannada had a rich heritage and the global reach as the vision of Kannada writers was not confined to Kannada land only. Many literary works in Kannada are easily exportable. Vachanas written by 12th century Sharanas have global appeal. Such literary meets will help consolidate the position of Kannada by adding new dimensions to the literature, Murthy asserted.

Taking a dig at political system, Ananth Murthy who is known for BJP bashing said the BJP had destroyed the concept of secularism which is one of the three basic tenets of Constitution of India. He was also critical of Congress when he said both Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi during their tenure as Prime Ministers damaged the federal structure of India which is another important feature of the Constitution by reducing the heads of the states to the level of cronies as they appointed their henchmen as the chief ministers of the states.

"Earlier, there were able leaders and statesmen at state level who could have a say in the important affairs. But the Congress destroyed that structure," Murthy said.

Stating that India lacked political leaders who could ensure the country's dreams are realised, Murthy said luckily, India has litterateurs who can achieve this goal.

There are writers of different hues producing literature in Kannada on wide range of issues and a new crop of writers is emerging. This will give a new dimension to Kannada literature, he added.

Ananth Murthy recalled his association with Dharwad and renowned publisher G B Joshi and remembered how Joshi had dared to publish his novels despite protests by a section of the society. Murthy also said despite ideological differences, one should learn to respect the other person and narrated his experiences with poet Gopalkrishna Adiga who did not agree to Murthy's ideology.

Speaking at the event, delivering the keynote address, noted critic C N Ramachandra Rao sought to allay fears that Kannada was endangered just because there is craze for English as a medium of instruction in schools. While the demand for Kannada to be made a medium of instruction at primary level was justified, it was not correct to raise a hue and cry that the future of Kannada was at bleak.

The absence of any movement in Kannada literature in fact has given rise to production of various forms of literature. Writers with varied hues have emerged. The trend is towards producing popular literature instead of focusing on ideology and isms.

"Kannada is prospering in the field of literature, print and electronic media are using Kannada very effectively, Kannada cinema are making global impact. Kannada is being used very effectively in judicial proceedings and administration. Many candidates have written civil services examinations in Kannada. It is not correct to conclude that those who study in English medium do not love Kannada," C N R asserted.