The Karnataka state government has approved a significant allocation of Rs 50 lakh for the establishment of the Kundapura Kannada Study Chair at Mangalore University. This allocation, sanctioned on July 11, follows a resolution by the Mangalore University Syndicate on May 16, 2022, and a request letter from K Jayaprakash Hegde in February 2024.
Kundapura Kannada, also known as Kundagannada, is widely spoken in Kundapur, Byndoor, Brahmavar taluks, and parts of Hebri and Kaup in Udupi district, as highlighted in Hegde’s letter. The study chair aims to promote research and academic activities related to this regional language.
Initially, Hegde had proposed a budget of Rs 1.5 crore for the chair’s establishment, with the government allocating Rs 50 lakh in the first phase. The funds are part of the Rs 8.5 crore reserved for university development, earmarked specifically for Mangalore University.
Raju Mogaveera, registrar of Mangalore University and a native speaker of Kundapura Kannada, confirmed the receipt of government orders and outlined plans to form a committee to draft statutes for the chair, pending state government approval.
In related developments, administrative changes have been implemented at the MU men’s hostel following protests by over 400 postgraduate students regarding food quality and other concerns. Mohan S Singhe has been appointed as the new faculty advisor cum warden to address these issues and bring administrative stability to the hostel.