I will free KSP from political influence, says Champa

HUBLI: Renowned Kannada litterateur and former president of Kannada Sahitya Parishat (KSP) Chandrashekhar Patil has all along opposed politicization of the Parishat and its activities. Even as he prepares to contest for the coveted post for the second time, his primary agenda remains the same: To prevent unnecessary political interference in the Parishat .Speaking to TOI, Patil shared his views on the status of Kannadigas, the land and the language.
Excerpts:If elected as president of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat, what will be your first priority?
My immediate focus will be putting pressure on the government to implement the Sarojini Mahishi report, which recommends using Kannada as administrative language in all the departments and employment opportunities for Kannadigas in all fields.
On the status of Kannadigas in Karnataka...
Though there is some improvement in the status of Kannadigas, we are still fighting for many issues. I will take up issue of giving jobs for Kannadigas in government, semi-government and private sectors particularly in IT and BT sectors. Those who have set up IT and BT industries in the state must understand that they are utilizing the Kannada land and so they should give preference Kannadigas in jobs.
How will you handle the border issues and the language row?
I will bring all the Kannada activists who are scattered across the state under one platform and motivate them to fight for the cause of Kannada and launch a struggle on ideology.
On the government’s efforts to protect Kannada…
Political parties including the Congress, BJP and even the JD(S), which has a local origin, have grossly ignored many of the issues before Kannadigas: Medium of instruction, jobs for Kannadigas and language issues in border districts.
How will you address political interference in the Parishat?
Let politicians attend our literary events. But I don’t want them to misuse their power and exert their influence on the KSP. If I come to power, I will make KSP free from their influence. I agree that all the governments have given good financial support to the KSP and its activities. But politicians should not be under the impression that they have done KSP a favour. After all they are not paying from their pockets. It is the public money. I want to build KSP on a secular basis.
Also, it will be my priority to curb huge spending on literary meets. I will create literary environment in Sahitya Sammelans than mere spending and extravaganza.