Noted Kannada writer D. Javare Gowda, popularly known as De. Ja. Gow., turned 100 on Monday. A disciple of Kuvempu, Mr. Gowda penned several books and also served as the Vice-Chancellor of Mysore University.
Besides contributing significantly to Kannada literature, he dedicated much of his time and effort towards protecting Kannada and promoting the language as the medium of instruction in schools. He played an important role in getting the classical language status for Kannada by launching an indefinite fast and threatening to return the Padma Shri conferred on him in 2001.
He chaired the Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana held in Bengaluru in 1970. In his presidential address, he had urged the government to make Kannada the medium of instruction in education and demanded implementation of the Sarojini Mahishi report, which recommended employment for Kannadigas. In recognition of his contribution to literature and the cause of Kannada, the State government has honoured him with the Karnataka Ratna and Pampa awards, and the Nadoja title.
4th writer to cross 100
De. Ja. Gow. is the fourth Kannada litterateur to cross the age of 100. The first was Akkihebbalu Narasimhamurthy Rao (A.N. Murthy Rao), known for his aesthetic thoughts and writings. The second is noted lexicographer G. Venkatasubbaiah, who is active even at the age of 102 years. The third is Kayyara Kinhanna Rai.
Felicitation
A felicitation committee led by eminent historian A.V. Narasimhamurthy has been formed to celebrate Mr. Gowda’s 100th birthday. A host of programmes have been planned on July 12 at Kala Mandir Mysore. Shatayushi De. Ja. Gow., authored by Malali Vasanthakumar, will be released .
Documentary
Kesari Harvoo, award winning film maker had made a 30-minute documentary on De. Ja. Gow. for the Department of Kannada and Culture. It describes his contribution to literature and his struggle for the cause of Kannada.
