Media Release

Udupi, Nov 7: “It is important to note that there are numerous languages in the world that are currently endangered and at risk of becoming extinct. The extinction of a language results in the extinction of a culture. Therefore, one must preserve our cultural identity by preserving our mother tongue. One should overcome the sense of inferiority and start speaking in Kannada to save our Kannada culture," said Dr K Vidyakumari, the deputy commissioner, Udupi district.

She was speaking on the occasion of the Karnataka Rajyothsava celebration and Dr TMA Pai's 125th birth anniversary held on November 6 at the Counselling Hall of MAHE building, Manipal.

Internationally renowned entrepreneur, Dr H S Shetty attended the event as the chief guest and spoke on the topic ‘Kannada School and Me’. He stated that he was able to understand and appreciate the local culture because he studied in a Kannada school. According to him, one can express our emotions in all languages, but the mother tongue is the best way to express one’s pain and fatigue. He emphasized that all languages, including English, should be learned, but Kannada should never be ignored.

In his presidential address, Dr Sharath Rao, the pro-vice chancellor of MAHE, remembered Dr TMA Pai on his 125th birth anniversary and paid homage to the contributions made by Dr TMA Pai towards the local language and culture. Through its efforts to spread Kannada and local languages, MAHE has continued to support local languages and culture activities.

The language department head, Prof Rahul Putty, was present. The assistant professor Dr Prithviraj Kavathar welcomed the gatherings and professor of English Dr Arvind Bhat proposed the vote of thanks. Kannada school teacher Murali Kadekar introduced Dr H S Shetty. M Vishnuvardhana of philosophy department was the master of ceremony.