Hampi Kannada University Prepares for 34th Literary Festival and Convocation
Hampi (Vijaynagara): The 34th edition of the Nudihabba-Ghatikotsava, a combined literary festival and convocation, is set to take place at Hampi Kannada University on February 24 in Vijayanagara. Vice-chancellor Prof DV Parameshivamurthy announced that the event will feature the awarding of honorary doctorates to three distinguished individuals, highlighting the university's commitment to academic excellence and research.
Honorary Doctorates to Be Conferred by Governor
During a media briefing at the university on Monday, Prof Parameshivamurthy revealed that Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot will bestow the prestigious 'Nadoja' honorary title upon three achievers: Prof G Ramakrishna for literature and thought, researcher Prof C Mahadevappa, and Prof HC Satyan for social service. This recognition underscores their significant contributions to their respective fields and aligns with the university's mission to honor intellectual and societal impact.
PhD Degrees Awarded to 107 Students Across Disciplines
In addition to the honorary awards, a total of 107 students will receive PhD degrees during the convocation. Higher education minister MC Sudhakar will present these degrees, with recipients spanning various departments: 62 in language, 43 in social sciences, and 2 in fine arts. The vice-chancellor emphasized that the university is dedicated to fostering research, with its PhD programs gaining notable recognition for their depth and innovation.
Convocation Address and University's Research Focus
Cultural thinker Dr K Marulasiddappa has been invited to deliver the convocation address, adding intellectual depth to the proceedings. Reflecting on the university's ethos, founding vice-chancellor Chandrashekhar Kambar stated, "This is not a university that teaches knowledge, but one that creates it." He highlighted the institution's expansive reach across Karnataka, particularly attracting students from rural areas, including scheduled castes, tribes, minorities, and first-generation graduates.
Notable Research on Marginalized Communities
Prof Kambar further elaborated on the university's research initiatives, noting significant work on neglected tribal communities. For instance, CP Shivachandra, a member of the Mukri tribe, became the first student to study this community, which has only 10,000 members residing between forests and the sea in Uttara Kannada district. The research portfolio this year includes extensive studies on women, Dalit lives and struggles, primitive tribes like Lambanis, backward classes, farmers, agriculture, folk literature, artists, significant personalities, textbooks, Kannada heritage, religious movements, cultural history, and senior citizens.
University Leadership and Event Details
The event will be attended by key university officials, including registrar Prof Virupakshi Pujarahalli, finance officer Prof A Sridhar, and director of studies Prof Amaresh Yatagal. The Nudihabba-Ghatikotsava serves as a platform to celebrate academic achievements and promote literary and cultural discourse, reinforcing Hampi Kannada University's role as a hub for knowledge creation and social inclusivity in higher education.
