Demand grows to nominate non-literary figure as president

Mandya: For the first time, there is a growing demand to nominate a non-literary figure who has promoted Kannada as president of the 87th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, which will be held in Mandya this December.
Traditionally, the role has been reserved for writers, novelists, and poets. However, this year, the Kannada Sahitya Parishat is receiving numerous requests to choose someone who has significantly contributed to Kannada and Karnataka, even if they are not a writer.Nominations include the names of scientists, seers, and social activists.
Sources reveal that many suggested names of scientists who brought laurels to the state at the national and international level after studying in Kannada medium, seers who are working for the cause of Kannada, and activists who are making significant contributions to Kannada language, society, and Karnataka are being considered for the post.
All these years, only the names of literary figures were suggested for presidential post. With the scope of Sahitya Sammelana fast widening and covering non-literary issues as well, people are advising names from all walks of life that matter for Karnataka and Kannadigas, said sources in the Kannada Sahitya Parishat.
Today, Kannada Sahitya Sammelana is not limited to writings only. It is touching all walks of life and issues that matter for the Kannadigas. So, the demand is that there is a need to pick personalities outside the Kannada literary world. Achievements of Kannadigas in folk, science, technology, health, business, and statesmanship need to be honoured, sources pointed out.
Mahesh Joshi, chief of Kannada Sahitya Parishat, stated that the executive committee of the Parishat will decide on who will be the president of the upcoming Sammelana. He welcomed the suggestions and emphasised the need to be open to changes.
Meanwhile, the Kannada Sahitya Parishat anticipates a higher attendance of Non-Resident Kannadigas at this year’s Sammelana. “As the event is scheduled in December, it will be a holiday season for those who stay in foreign countries. So we are expecting more Kannadigas residing in foreign countries to participate,” Joshi said.
Joshi also mentioned his upcoming attendance at the Akka Sammelana in the USA, alongside the patron-in-chief of the Sammelana, Nirmalanandanatha Swami, seer of Adichunchanagiri Mutt, where they will meet a big diaspora of Kannadigas. “We will invite them all to the Sammelana,” he said.
Delegates from the Middle East, Europe, Australia, and other countries have expressed their willingness to attend the Sammelana, and arrangements are being made to welcome them, he said.