Shorthand Writers’ Association of Karnataka (SWAK), established in 1919, is celebrating its centenary on September 14 and 15 at Karnataka Government Employees' Association premises in Cubbon Park.
Shorthand was introduced by Sir Isaac Pitman in 1837.
SWAK was started by S.G. Narasimaiah, D.K. Ramachandraiah and T.N. Raghavachar to train people in shorthand. The first classes were held at the Government Arts and Science College. Later, the association was given a piece of land (at the site where Kandaya Bhavan stands today) where a building was constructed, said L. Raghavendra, former president of the association.
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The association moved to Cubbonpet briefly during the construction of Kandaya Bhavan. In 2015, the association moved into the new building. It has over 1,500 members across the State.
The association conducts speed competitions in English and Kannada every year prior to the government recruitment examinations.
Muralinath, secretary, SWAK, says shorthand remains relevant even today, despite the advent of computers, tablets and smartphones.
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There’s no denying, however, that the association, which once saw hundreds of students queuing up for classes, has seen a drop in enrolment with each passing year.