Govt mulling over open air museum with the statues of litterateurs: CM

Bengaluru, Dec.16: The State government will seriously think over setting up an open air museum with the statues of Kannada Jnanpith awardees and those who have made unique contributions to Kannada literature, said Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

Speaking after inaugurating ‘Modalu Manavanagu’, a musical tribute to noted Sugam Sangeeta singer, late Shivamogga Subbanna here on Thursday, he said it is common to install the statues of politicians but it is unique to have the statues of litterateurs. There will be a special position for the statue of Shivamogga Subbanna in the proposed open air museum as he had a different personality, voice, closeness, ideology and thinking. It is not possible to have another Subbanna, So, the government will make Subbanna and others to be remembered forever by the people of Karnataka.

Superb voice

The CM said Shivamogga Subbanna was blessed with a beautiful voice and rendered the philosophical songs of Saint Shishunala Sharif in his typical voice to touch the hearts of people. The Saint Sharief had filled in philosophy in the daily chorus, and those were rendered with the special emotions by the singer. The saint Shishunala Sharif was famous in his region but Shivamogga Subbanna introduced him to the entire State and the country. It was a rare combination of Sharief’s ‘Tatva Pada’ and Subbanna’s singing.

Committed to protect literature, music

Bommai said it was a matter of pride that they are born here and the contemporaries of such personalities. The Kannada language has been enriched by such litterateurs and singers. It is their duty to make such celebrities immortal in order to introduce them to the coming generation. The Department of Kannada and Culture will study in depth on the singing of Subbanna in order to make them more popular. “I am also a fan of Subbanna. I had known him from very closely and would also like to identify myself as a staunch fan of the great singer. My government is committed to protecting land, language, literature and music of Karnataka.

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