In the latest development, Rashtrakavi G S Shivarudrappa Foundation has geared up to set up of a study and research centre on the renowned Kannada laureate.
The foundation has zeroed in on 35 guntas of land on Kanakpura Road for the project, where the necessary tools and infrastructure would be developed for research purpose. Administrative office, library and an auditorium for the cultural activities will also be constructed here.
“Shankar, former Bengaluru Deputy Commissioner, had sanctioned 35-guntas land in 2016 for the centre. The government had also formed a committee under the leadership of Kannada Development Authority (KDA) chief Siddaramaiah, where the prominent Kannada noted poets and writers were the members,” said a source in Kannada Sahitya Parishat to DH.
"Now the foundation will submit the proposal to the public works development (PWD) department to release the blueprint of the centre,” the source added.
The foundation also plans to print the small and handy books penned by G S Shivarudrappa. It also wants to conduct seminars, lectures and discussions on the poet's works in all the districts of the state.
Inspired by Kuvempu’s model, where he used handy and small books to help science subjects reach children, the foundation also mulls to adopt the same model for Shivarudrappa’s work.
S G Siddaramaiah, the foundation president, said: “The foundation was just limited to give awards and publish books. But there is something more we can do. The planned study and research centre on the Rashtrakavi will work to develop Kannada literature."
"We will also see that works of G S Shivarudrappa reach common man, especially youth.”
The G S Shivarudrappa Foundation, established by the government in 2016, is receiving Rs 12 lakh every year from the government, where some amount from this will be used for the centre.