Vidyavardhaka Sangha Elections Heat Up in Dharwad

The prestigious Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha (KVS) of Dharwad — a 135-year-old cultural and literary institution — is set to elect its new office bearers for the 2025–2028 term on May 25. As nomination filing begins May 9, election activity has intensified, with two major panels readying for battle.

Positions up for election include President, Vice-President, Chairman, General Secretary, Treasurer, Joint Secretary, and nine executive committee members. The last date to file nominations is May 13, with scrutiny on May 14, and withdrawal deadline on May 16. Results will be declared on May 26.

Once the backbone of pro-Kannada and cultural advocacy, KVS is now perceived by many senior members as having lost its momentum, reduced mostly to hosting endowment lectures and cultural programmes. A chronic lack of funds, and dependence on government aid, has reportedly dulled its bold voice.

Notably, the institution, once dominated by literary and cultural icons, is now witnessing the rise of business and political interests, making elections fiercely competitive. Merit is no longer the sole factor, and even reputed littérateurs hesitate to contest.

This year’s contest is between the current leadership, contesting as a unified panel, and a new panel led by former MLC Mohan Limbikai, supported by notable figures like advocate Prakash Udakeri, journalist Manoj Patil, and others.

As KVS stands at a crossroads, voters now face a crucial choice — revive its cultural roots or continue with its current course.

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