For the first time in the century-old-history of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat (KSP), a three-day convention will be held on Helagannada, which according to linguists evolved around the 3rd century. This convention is timely, given that research and studies on the classical Kannada language are gaining momentum in various institutions.

The convention will be held at Shravanabelagola, the Jain pilgrimage centre, from June 24 to 27. “Though sessions on Halegannada were held as part of larger conventions on Kannada, this is the first time that a full-fledged convention is being in held in the history of the KSP,” said, Manu Baligar, president of KSP.

S. Settar, historian and author of Halegannada: Lipi, Lipikara and Lipi Vinyasa — a monumental study of Kannada script, literature, and scribes — has been chosen as the president of the convention. Mr. Shettar will be taken in a procession from Chandragiri Chikabetta to Chavundaraya Mantapa.

The convention will be inaugurated by former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Dr. Shettar will deliver the presidential address. Noted scholars, including Hampa Nagarajaiah, president of the Kannada Development Authority; S.G. Siddaramaiah, sanskrit scholar; professors Mallepuram Venkatesh, Chandrashekar Patil, Baraguru Ramachandrappa, Purushottam Bilimale, and P.V. Narayan will participate in the convention.

There will be sessions on 11th century literature: Management of violence and non-violence; Revisiting of Kannada classical literature; relevance of Halegannada; and study of Adikavi Pampa and Ranna, one of the earliest and great Kannada poets. As many as 16 poets are expected to participate in the poetry reading session, which will be held on the inaugural day.

This Halegannada sammelan is an attempt to awaken the present generation to Halegannada literature. “Papers presented at the convention will be compiled into a major work in Kannada by the KSP by next year,” said Mr. Baligar.

According to noted scholar Hampa Nagarajaiah, “Kannada language has branched off from the Proto-Dravidian family of languages in as early as the 5th century BC. Making Shravanabelagola the venue is more meaningful and appropriate, as it serves as a laboratory for the evolution of Halegannada literature.” Underlining the need to make Halegannada an integral part of studies for higher education curriculum, Mr. Nagarajaiah said since historical events were documented in ancient Kannada, it becomes pertinent to read works written in that language.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Muralidhara Khajane / Bengaluru – June 15th, 2018