The Karnatak Vidyavardhak Sangha (KVS), which was the epicentre of the State’s unification movement, is all set to celebrate its 125th anniversary.
A two-day function has been organised on the KVS premises from Saturday to mark the occasion. Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj H.K. Patil will inaugurate the celebrations on Sunday.
Journalist Patil Puttappa, who has been the KVS president for the past 47 years, said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who was invited to attend the function, had not confirmed his participation as the legislature was in session.
“The main programme is on Sunday, and the legislature does not meet on that day. If he is willing, he can attend,” Mr. Puttappa said.
BackgroundThe history of the modern Karnataka State is incomplete without a reference to KVS. After the fall of the Vijayanagar empire, Kannada speaking areas were scattered, thus affecting Kannada culture and language. So the idea of forming a unified Karnataka State was mooted.
The idea was given a concrete shape with the establishment of the KVS under the leadership of Ra.Ha. Deshpande on July 20, 1890. Shyamrao Vittal Kaikini was elected its first president.
KVS began building public opinion in favour of forming Karnataka. On October 7, 1917, KVS passed a resolution urging the government to bring under one administrative unit all towns, taluks and districts with Kannada-speaking population and name it Karnataka province.
This demand was reiterated in 1923 and on February 25, 1935, telegrams were sent to the Viceroy on this demand. The struggle continued till unified Karnataka State came into existence on November 1, 1956.
Later, KVS members also took part in the Gokak Movement and other such struggles for the cause of Kannada language, land and culture.
