Sirsi, Feb 3: Renowned Kannada poet and former professor K S Nissar Ahmed was on Friday honoured with the ‘Pampa Award’ at simple programme at Banavasi near Sirsi in Uttar Kannada district during the ‘Kadambotsava’.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Ahmed stressed the need for efforts from all quarters to save Kannada and said that the survival of Kannada language would be difficult if apathy towards use of the language continued.
Referring to the history of Kannada language he said Kannada was one among ancient languages and it had been ranked 19th among the most ancient languages.
“While Kannada has a rich heritage, the younger generation, however, is not at all aware of it and there is a sense of inferiority among our youths when they come across people of other languages” he said, emphasising the need to be proud of one’s language and heritage.
He clarified that there was no need to oppose other languages to ensure the survival of Kannada but there was need to give priority to Kannada language.
The poet expressed regret over the present day politics, which he said had become more divisive in nature. “Karnataka was a garden of peace comprising people of all faiths. But now efforts are being made to divide the people on the lines of caste, religion and party”, he said.
Thanking the selection committee for choosing him for the award, Mr. Nissar Ahmed said he was honoured to receive it, that too in the land of poet Pampa.
Earlier Minister for Large and Medium Industries and district-in-charge R.V. Deshpande presented the award to the senior poet and felicitated him in the presence of various dignitaries and senior officials. Mr. Deshpande listed out the various measures taken by the State government to promote art and culture and also listed out various developmental activities undertaken in the district and State.
Welcoming the move Dr Arathi Krishna told coastaldigst.com that Indians stranded in any foreign country can utilize this facility. "Initially, I was approached by Mr Zakaria and Mr Sheik who wanted chartered flights to help their employees fly back to India. I asked them to write to the Indian Ambassador in Saudi Araia Mr Ausaf Sayeed. Then I requested the ambassador to forward the request to Joint Secretary Dr Nagendra Prasad, who is in charge of gulf division in the Ministry of External Affairs, and then to Secretary on charge of Gulf and then I requested Secretary of Economic Relations Mr T S Tirumurti who was also in charge of Gulf to follow this up," she said.
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