Will help preserve Havyaka language, says Kumaraswamy

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Union Minister for Heavy Industries, Steel and Public Enterprises HD Kumaraswamy vowed to preserve the Havyaka language. Havyaka or Havigannada is a dialect of Kannada spoken by Havyaka Brahmins in Malnad, coastal regions of Karnataka and Kasargod district in Kerala. Kumaraswamy made the comments during the concluding session of the third edition of Havyaka Convention held in Bengaluru on Sunday. On the occasion, he emphasized the need to establish a dedicated academy, university, and research center for the development of the Havyaka language. “I stand with you in this effort to sustain the Havyaka language,” he said.

“I fully support all efforts toward this cause,” he added. Kumaraswamy added that the Union government would help address the problems of areca nut farmers, including those from the Havyaka Brahmin community. “The Havyaka community, which is deeply involved in areca nut farming, need not worry. I am an areca nut farmer myself and have firsthand experience of the challenges faced by farmers. The central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken significant measures to address these issues. The Centre has already allocated Rs 10 crore for areca nut research and has launched several initiatives to counter problems faced by areca nut farmers. These efforts will continue,” he said. Kumaraswamy also expressed his admiration for the Havyaka community. “Though your community is small in number, your contributions, intelligence, and achievements are immense. You have left a significant mark in every field,” he said. “Do not dwell on being a small population.

The contributions of the Havyaka community are on par with those of larger communities. Be it literature, music, art, or media, your community has left an indelible impression,” he added. The Union Minister also recalled his cordial relationship with late former Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde and his brother Ganesh, who come from the Havyaka Brahmin community. The event was graced by the presence of several religious leaders, including Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji of Ramachandrapura Math, Sri Vachananda Swamiji of Harihara Panchamasali Math, and Sri Abhinava Shankara Bharati Swamiji of Sringeri Math. Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamiji of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham joined online to deliver his blessings.

Prominent attendees included former CM BS Yediyurappa, conference honorary president and MP Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, Horanadu MLA Bheemaeshwara Joshi, BJP MLC CT Ravi, Vishwavani editor Vishweshwar Bhat, Kannada Prabha group editor Ravi Hegde, Malnad Development Board chairman Manjunath Gowda, and Havyaka Mahasabha president Giridhar Kaje.