Karnataka - Mysore   

Fast seeking classical language tag

Staff Correspondent

Javare Gowda stages protest in Mysore

MYSORE: The former Vice-Chancellor of Mysore University D. Javare Gowda on Wednesday observed a 12-hour fast seeking classical language status to Kannada.

The Kannada writer, who commenced his fast at 6 a.m. on the Kuvempu Trust premises at Vijayanagar, was supported by a number of people representing various walks of life. Among those who came out in support of his fast included the former Vice-Chancellor of Kannada University at Hampi, Lakkappa Gowda; the former MLA, Vedanta Hemmige; MLC "Mukhyamantri" Chandru, writers Sujana, Krishnamurthy Hanur, C. Naganna and others.

Kuvempu Trust witnessed a steady flow of visitors from morning. Several Karnataka Rakshana Vedike activists were also present.

Prof. Javare Gowda agreed to end his fast around 6 p.m. after Deputy Commissioner of Mysore S. Selvakumar conveyed the message of the State Government to him.

Mr. Selvakumar told The Hindu that he requested the octogenarian writer to withdraw fast, and that he conveyed the message of the government. He said the State Government was making all efforts to convince the Union Government to accord classical language status to Kannada."

The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by Hunsur MLA, D.T. Deve Gowda and MLC Chikkamadu.

`Take back award'

Speaking to presspersons, Mr. Gowda urged the State Government to take back the Rajyothsava presented to him and withdraw the proposal sent to the Centre recommending his name for Padmashree Award.

Prof. Gowda said that he had written to the State Government in this regard. "I have written to the State Government in this regard as it had failed to bring pressure on the Union Government to get Kannada the status of a classical language."

He warned of intensifying his struggle if the State Government did not convince the Union Government in this regard.

President of Kannada Sahitya Parishath Chandrashekar Patil, who visited Prof Gowda, said political leaders in the State should rise above the party politics to secure classical language status to Kannada.

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