Grand start to Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in Raichur; Ramanna Havale urges govt. to make Kannada compulsory up to class 7

​A two-day 12th Raichur District Kannada Sahitya Sammelana began on a grand note in Raichur on Saturday with the hoisting of the national, Kannada, and Kannada Sahitya Parishat flags, followed by a ceremonial procession.

​Following the flag-hoisting ceremony, sammelana president, senior writer, and educationist Ramanna Havale was taken in a flower-decked chariot from Mahila Samaja through the main streets of the city to Pandit Siddarama Jambaladinni Rangamandira.

​The procession showcased Karnataka’s cultural heritage, featuring performances by folk troupes, including Dollu Kunitha, Hagalu Vesha, Garudi Gombe, Jhanj Mela, Kanihalige, and Lambani dancers. Elected representatives, parishat office-bearers, writers, and members of the public joined the procession, turning the city streets into a festive venue celebrating the Kannada language and literature.

Delivering his presidential address at the literary conference, Mr. Havale said that ​Kannada should be made the mandatory medium of instruction from class 1 to class 7, and preference in employment must be accorded to those educated in the Kannada medium, he added.

​Mr. Havale observed that Kannada is not merely a language of communication, but a heritage, culture, and a way of life. He objected to Kannadigas drifting away from their mother tongue because English is viewed as the language of livelihood.

He noted that Kannada is being neglected under the pretext of parental preference and prospects in the information technology and biotechnology sectors.

​Calling for the comprehensive development of Raichur district, Mr. Havale urged the government to move beyond mere assurances and establish an All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Raichur. He also appealed to all elected representatives to pressure the government into setting up major industries in the district to transform the lives of people in a land with a 5,000-year history of religious tolerance, shaped by rulers, Sharanas, Dasas, and Sufi saints.

​MP for Raichur G. Kumar Naik, MLA Basanagouda Daddal, City Corporation Commissioner Jubin Mohapatra, Superintendent of Police Arunangshu Giri, and several local leaders were present on the occasion.