Mangaluru: Christian missionaries immensely contributed for Kannada literature - Dr Meenakshi

By Rons Bantwal
Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 16 Nov 2016: Christian missionaries immensely contributed to the social and literary sphere of Karnataka. E P Rice, Harmon Mogling, Ferdinand Kittel strived in their lifetime to record royal decrees in Kannada, palm-manuscripts and folklore, thereby significantly contributed for laying strong foundation for the growth of Kannada, said Dr Meenakshi Ramachandra, head of department of Kannada, Besant Women’s College, here.

 

Dr Meenakshi was delivering special lecture on Christian history in Karnataka – Christians contributions to Kannada literature that was organized as part of A R D’Souza endowment programme, jointly by Kannada Sahitya Parishat, DK district, Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Mangaluru taluk and Kannada Union of Ramakrishna PU College, here on Tuesday, November 15.

 

 

The Christian missionaries also contributed for journalism because they had brought out the first ever Kannada and English newspaper, Arunodaya, said Dr Meenakshi.  Mangaluru Samachara was the first ever Kannada newspaper published by Christian missionaries, added Dr Meenakshi.  

 

Ramakrishna PU College principal Dr Kishore Kumar Rai Sheni after inaugurating the programme stressed on the need to inspire the students to take keen interest in Kannada literature that was chronicled by Christian missionaries.

 

DK district Kannada Sahitya Parishat president S Pradeep Kumar Kalkura in his presidential address, urged the student community to take keen interest in Indian cultural hierarchy.  He also lauded the contributions of Christian missionaries towards Indian languages, and culture.

 

Kannada Union co-ordinator Jeevita welcomed the gathering. Nitesh proposed vote of thanks. Vinuta compered the programme. 

 

Kannada Sahitya Parishat – Mangaluru taluk unit president Vijayalaxmi B Shetty, secretary Devaki Acchyut, honorary treasurer Professor P Krishnamurti, DK district Kannada Sahitya Parishat honorary treasurer Poornima Rao Pejavar, Kannada Union president Rukmini was present.