Transcultural exchanges have long shaped Kannada literature: Shivanand Kelaginamani

Shivanand Kelaginamani, Vice-Chancellor of Aadikavi Sri Maharshi Valmiki University, Raichur, has said that Kannada literature explored cultural exchanges for centuries, with poets reinterpreting classical texts and blending diverse cultural traditions.

He was speaking after the inauguration of an international conference ‘Civilization Literature: Texts, Traditions and Transcultural Dialogues Across Civilizations’, organised by Dharwad Katte in collaboration with Aadikavi Sri Maharshi Valmiki University, Janata Shikshana Samiti and Peter Lang, Switzerland, at JSS College in Dharwad on Friday.

Prof. Kelaginamani said the long history of the Kannada language can be traced through classical works such as Kavirajamarga. He noted that elements from Sanskrit were gradually incorporated into Kannada, which helped enrich the language and shape its literary tradition. “Cultural exchange has always been an important part of Kannada literature and the language has shown openness to interaction with other traditions,” he pointed out.

V. R. Desai, director of Indian Institute of Technology, Dharwad, inaugurated the two-day conference and delivered a talk on ‘Bhagavad Gita – Philosophy of Action and Devotion’. He quoted several slokas from the Gita and elaborated on how they remain relevant to the present day. He also spoke about the significance of civilisational literature.

Prof. Desai and other dignitaries released the publication ‘Civilization Imagination in Literature: Conference Abstracts’ and Dharwad Katte’s ‘Global South International Peer-Reviewed Quarterly Journal’.

S.M. Shivaprasad, professor at IIT Dharwad, and V.S. Katagihallimath, administrative officer at BVV Sangha Group of Education, addressed the gathering. Presiding over the inaugural session, Basavaraj Donur of Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, said that the objective of the seminar organisation was to create awareness about connecting with the past. He noted that Dharwad Katte is the only organisation in India conducting discussions on the Shakespeare series.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Shivaprasad delivered a keynote address, in which he highlighted the importance of transcultural dialogue in today’s world. He compared it with scientific discoveries and cultural development. He also referred to the Silk Road, saying it served not only as a trade route but a path for scholars and the exchange of ideas between universities.