Prof. Hampana to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara, announces CM Siddaramaiah

Mysuru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that senior litterateur Prof. H P Nagarajaiah, popularly known as Hampana, has been invited to inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara celebrations this year. The decision was made in recognition of Hampana’s unique contributions to Kannada language and literature.

The announcement was made on Friday during the inauguration of the “Karnataka Cultural Preview: A Thought Conference” organized at Karnataka State Open University (KSOU). Prof. Hampana was also present at the event and was invited onto the stage by CM Siddaramaiah, who honored him with a bouquet of flowers and seated him beside him as a mark of respect.

Background on Prof. Hampana

Hampana, a native of Hampasandra in Gauribidanur taluk of Chikkaballapur district, has served in various capacities, including as the head of the arts department at Bangalore University, director of the Kannada Studies Centre, and director of the Kannada and Culture Department. From 1978 to 1986, he served as the president of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat, during which he published nearly 300 scholarly works by different authors.

Hampana has made significant contributions to Kannada literature, especially in Jain studies, and has published many important works across literary genres. He was honored with the “Nadoja” award by Hampi University in 2006 for his contributions to literature.

Udayavani Interview with Prof. Hampana

1. Did you expect to be chosen for the honour of inaugurating Mysuru Dasara?
   It was an extraordinary and unexpected honour for me. People usually refer to sudden surprises as an “electric shock,” but for me, this is a shock of happiness.
2. What is your connection to Mysuru?
   My bond with Mysuru is long-standing. I spent my student life here, earning a B.A. Honours degree from Maharaja’s College and an M.A. from Mysore University. The city where I gained knowledge and where Saraswati, the goddess of learning, welcomed me into the world of letters, is now offering me the chance to inaugurate its most prestigious festival, Dasara.
3. Have you witnessed the Dasara festival before? What is your experience?
   I have watched the Dasara festival nearly 50 times. Each time, I was thrilled and excited by its grandeur. This is a celebration of democracy. As a resident of Karnataka, I am eager to inaugurate this festival on behalf of all Kannada-speaking people.
4. What would you like to say about the significance of the Dasara festival today?
   We are living in a time of many changes. Festivals have their own importance, and it’s crucial to think about how we can preserve and celebrate them in today’s world.