All Indian languages should adopt Devnagari script: Da Bhi

“At present,our countrymen do not understand every Indian language. The main hindrance,according to me,is the script. If all languages adopt Devnagari script,it will become easier for the common people to understand other languages,” said Kulkarni. However,he said,it should not be done by compulsion but by campaigning.

To start with,efforts should be made to convert Indian literature into Devnagari script. “If the literature in Indian languages can be made available in Devnagari script,besides the original script,it will be easier to understand,” he said.

Kulkarni urged that educational institutions should take initiatives in this regard as education is responsible in inculcating culture in society.

He also demanded that a Maharashtra Bhavan be set up in Belgaum where the Marathi-Kannad issue has been pending for long. “There should not be any objection for setting up Maharashtra Bhavan in Belgaum. It is true that Marathi language is being suppressed in Belgaum. However we should not cultivate hatred for Kannad language. Love of the nation should come first,even before love of language,” he said.

Kulkarni also honoured chairman of University Grants Commission Sukhdev Thorat,veteran socialist leader Rambhau Tupe,thinker Shivajirao Bhosale,former vice chancellor of University of Pune Shridhar Gupte and social worker Sidhutai Sapkal with lifetime achievement awards. The award consisted of Rs 50,001,a memento,citation and shawl.

Thorat in his speech pointed out that the rate of enrolment of girls in higher education in rural areas is only 5 per cent. “In cities,the enrolment rate in higher education is sufficiently good. We will have to boost the girls in rural areas to get enrolled in colleges,” he said.

Chancellor of BVU Patangrao Kadam,vice chancellor Shivajirao Kadam and secretary Vishwajeet Kadam were also present on the occasion.