Kanaja, an encyclopaedic knowledge portal in Kannada, is expected to be rejuvenated, with the government giving the responsibility of handling the project to the Department of Kannada and Culture. Till recently, Kanaja was managed by the International Institute of Information and Technology-Bangalore (IIIT-B).
Kanaja, a title suggested by writer Go. Ru. Channabasappa, means storehouse of knowledge. The project was conceptualised by the Karnataka Jnana Ayoga and launched in December 2010.
Upon transfer to the Department of Kannada and Culture, the government has formed a committee comprising the department Secretary, Additional Secretary Information Technology, heads of IIIT-B and Kannada Software Development Committee. The panel is empowered to co-opt three technical experts to manage Kanaja in an effective manner.
The government had released Rs. 2 crore for the development of the project. Proposal on appointment of technical experts is with the Finance Department for clearance, according to K.A. Dayanand, Director, Kannada and Culture Department.
“Kanaja was created to compile all data available in Kannada and disseminate it to make Karnataka a vibrant knowledge society. At the same time, it aims to encourage online use of Kannada,” he said.
The portal serves covers various issues and has separate sections for art, literature, science, environment, media, history, bio and information technology, business, sports, among others.
Writers, including G. S. Shivarudrappa and U.R. Ananthamurthy, had given permission to share all their works on Kanaja without royalty. Kuvempu’s works are available on the portal, which can be accessed by the visually-challenged too.
According to those associated with the project, there was no flaw in the concept and technology when conceived. Beluru Sudarshana, a coordinator, succeeded in making major works on the portal. However, much progress could not be made after his exit. IIIT-B, which has been providing technical know-how, could not manage the project as expected.
Admitting that IIIT-B had not done much to take the project forward in the last four years, Mr. Dayanand said the transfer of Kanaja would “enrich the content and make it resourceful and user-friendly.”
Kanaja has been transferred to the Department of Kannada and Culture for effective management
Umashree
Minister of State for Kannada and Culture
A committee, formed earlier to screen content, will continue to function with the project
K.A. Dayanand,Director, Kannada and Culture Department
