Kannada Is More Than a Language; It Is Our Very Breath.

Madikeri, Nov 1: "Kannada is not merely our language; it is our very breath," stated P. Narendra Swamy, Minister for Agriculture and Minister in-charge of Kodagu district.

He spoke after hoisting the flag during the 71st Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations, organized by the Kodagu District Administration at the city’s Police Parade Grounds.

Following the linguistic reorganization of states, all Kannada-speaking regions were brought together on November 1, 1956, to form the unified Mysore State. We now celebrate this day—the day of the unification of the Kannada land—as a grand state festival. The fact that the world of Kannada literature has been honored with eight Jnanpith Awards stands as a testament to the excellence and prestige of the Kannada language.

It is the duty of us all to remember the great individuals who worked towards the unification of our land. From the *Adikavi* (primordial poet) Pampa—who spread the fragrance of Kannada literature—to luminaries like *Rashtrakavi* Kuvempu, D.R. Bendre, Shivaram Karanth, Masti Venkatesha Iyengar, V.K. Gokak, and B.M. Srikantaiah, many renowned writers have elevated Kannada literature to the global stage. With a history spanning two and a half millennia, Kannada has been accorded the status of a Classical Language. Narendra Swamy stated that the Kannada language has been enriched by eminent poets, litterateurs, and saints—from the time of the *Kavirajamarga*, a seminal Kannada masterpiece, right up to contemporary modern literature. On the auspicious occasion of the 71st Kannada Rajyotsava, the government has recognized the contributions of two achievers from Kodagu by conferring upon them the Kannada Rajyotsava Award.

The conferring of the Kannada Rajyotsava Award upon Dr. A. B. Subbaiah—a former goalkeeper for the Indian hockey team—and the renowned fashion designer Prasad Bidappa has brought further honor to the district. Furthermore, the contribution of the Kodagu district to India’s defense sector is immense.

The service rendered by distinguished figures such as Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa and General K. S. Thimayya—both of whom served as Commanders-in-Chief in independent India—remains truly memorable. The role and contribution of the people of Kodagu toward the unification of Karnataka were also highly significant. Kodagu has likewise made a substantial contribution to the realms of literature and culture; for instance, the noted Kannada author 'Kodagu Gowramma' made an invaluable contribution to the world of Kannada literature through her stories and writings.

The Minister further noted that several other writers, including B. D. Ganapathi, have served Kannada literature while simultaneously preserving the Kodava language and culture. He stated that it is a matter of pride that Machettira Poovamma, who won a gold medal for India at the recently held Asian Games, hails from Kodagu.

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