The Department of Kannada and Culture in Karnataka has launched an innovative online public opinion poll to identify and reprint out-of-stock and rare Kannada classics. This initiative aims to gather feedback from literary enthusiasts and scholars to decide which books should be selected for official reprinting.
Engaging the Literary Community
The poll invites readers, authors, and academics to vote for their preferred titles from a curated list of rare and out-of-print Kannada works. The department hopes this participatory approach will ensure that the most culturally and historically significant texts are revived. According to officials, the response has been encouraging, with thousands of votes already cast within the first week.
How the Poll Works
Participants can access the poll through the department's official website or mobile app. They are asked to select up to five books from a list of 50 titles spanning poetry, fiction, drama, and non-fiction. The poll will remain open for three weeks, after which the top 10 books with the highest votes will be prioritized for reprinting. The department has also provided a brief description of each book to help voters make informed choices.
Preserving Kannada Heritage
This effort is part of a larger campaign to preserve and promote Kannada literature. Many classic works have become unavailable due to limited print runs, deteriorating manuscripts, or lack of commercial interest. The reprinting project aims to make these treasures accessible to new generations of readers, students, and researchers. The department plans to distribute the reprinted books to public libraries, educational institutions, and bookstores at subsidized rates.
The initiative has received widespread support from literary circles. Renowned Kannada writer and critic Dr. A. N. Murthy Rao praised the move, stating, "This is a commendable step to ensure that our literary heritage is not lost. Involving the public in the selection process makes it democratic and inclusive."
Future Plans
If successful, the department intends to conduct similar polls annually. They are also exploring digital archiving of rare manuscripts and out-of-print books to complement the physical reprints. This dual approach aims to safeguard Kannada literature for posterity while catering to both traditional and modern readers.
The online poll is open to all Kannada speakers worldwide. The department encourages maximum participation to reflect the true preferences of the literary community. Results will be announced on the department's website and social media channels after the polling period ends.
