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Kundapur: Senior researcher and computer expert Prof. K.P. Rao of the Manipal Institute of Communication said language is the foundation of human imagination and stressed the need for continuous learning among children and adults alike.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the valedictory programme of the two-day children’s festival ‘Akshara Ambari’, organised by Udayavani in association with the New Mangalore Port Authority and Shri Siddhivinayaka Residential School at the school premises in Hattiyangadi on Sunday.

Prof. Rao said every language has its own history and evolution, and people should understand how languages originated and changed over time. “No language is superior or inferior. The basis of our imagination is language. Learning should continue among everyone, including children. Never stop learning,” he said.

He said people must observe how children learn, how they use knowledge and what they try to learn. According to him, language development in India and abroad has largely happened through trade and interaction. He said the Akshara Ambari programme had helped create awareness among children about language and literature and described it as a form of service to language. He urged students to make use of the experiences gained during the festival in their lives.

Need to encourage healthy interests among children

Deputy Director of the Department of School Education and Literacy and DIET Principal Dr. Ashok Kamath expressed concern over the increasing number of student suicides in Kerala and coastal districts of Karnataka despite their strong educational achievements.

He said children should not be treated as machines for scoring marks and stressed the importance of encouraging interests such as literature and art. “These activities can bring new enthusiasm into their lives,” he said.

Dr. Kamath also spoke about challenges faced by children, including excessive exposure to television and mobile phones and the easy availability of narcotic substances among the younger generation. He advised students to decide carefully what and how much content they should watch.

He said the Akshara Ambari initiative was helping shape the future of children by introducing them to different creative activities and hobbies.

‘This is a new beginning’

Administrator of Shri Siddhivinayaka Residential School Veena Rashmi said the conclusion of the programme marked the beginning of a new journey for students to continue what they had learned during the two-day event.

She said Kannada was not just a language but a way of life and encouraged students to develop reading habits. “Books can help build a new world. Reading also brings respect,” she said, adding that literature, art and sports were equally important along with education and marks.

Vice-President of Special Initiatives at Manipal Media Network Ltd Ramachandra Mijar, who presided over the programme, said students need learning experiences outside classrooms as well. He said the organisers had attempted to create such an open learning environment through Akshara Ambari and added that the trust and affection readers have shown towards Udayavani for over five decades was reflected in the programme.

Parents from different regions shared their experiences during the event. Winners of various competitions were awarded prizes and all participating students received certificates.

Udayavani Editor Aravinda Navada read out the list of prize winners. Udupi Deputy Chief Reporter Raju Kharvi Koderi welcomed the gathering, while Sub-editor Kumar Subrahmanya delivered the vote of thanks. Vice-Principal of Shri Siddhivinayaka School Rama Devadiga compered the programme.

Festival focused on literature and creativity

The two-day literary festival featured discussions, creative activities and competitions in essay writing, letter writing, article writing and poetry writing to encourage reading, writing and literary interest among students.

More than 100 students from different districts of the state participated enthusiastically in the festival and learned about literature and creative expression. Parents also took part in the event along with the children.

Poets, writers and resource persons from different parts of the state interacted with students and guided them on storytelling, poetry and literature. The programme aimed to develop literary interest among children and provide them with a platform to showcase their talents.

The festival concluded on Sunday evening.

Parents share feedback

Chaitra Tippeswamy from Nyamathi in Davanagere said such programmes were necessary for language enrichment and appreciated the well-organised and engaging activities.

Ashwini Kodibailu from Sullia said the event created a supportive atmosphere for reading, literature and creativity and praised the involvement of parents along with children.

Yatheesh Rao from Suratkal said the programme featured meaningful discussions on literature, language and creativity and appreciated the efforts of the organisers in creating a valuable platform for students.