Sessions
ಕೊರಚ ಮತ್ತು ಸಿದ್ದಿ ಭಾಷೆಗಳು: Koracha and Siddi Language Worlds
Laxmi R Siddi, HR Swamy with Niranjanaradhya VP
Bio
Dr. HR Swamy belongs to a nomadic tribe of the Koracha caste. He was born in the Holalkere taluk of Chitradurga district, in a village called Chikkajajur. He studied in Arsikere and Bengaluru. He did research at Mysore University on the Koracha people and obtained his PhD. As a student, he was involved in the Bandaya Sahitya Sanghatane, in the Dalit, farmers (raita), science (vijnana) and environmental movements, in theatre activities and in other progressive movements. He worked as a Lecturer and Principal at various government colleges in Karnataka for 35 years, and recently retired as Principal of Balenahally Government Junior College, Arsikere taluk.
He was actively involved in the rationalist movement and has served as Vice President of the Karnataka Rajya Vijnana Parishat (KRVP) and as President of its publishing committee. For the last 35 years, he has been travelling all over Karnataka, creating awareness about superstitions and organising programs debunking unscientific beliefs, to make people understand the truth behind miracles and to foster a scientific temperament. As coordinator of Arsikere Science Centre and Negilayogi Samskritika Trust (NEYOT), he has been engaging in theatre activities and raising awareness on the environment, as well as on many other social issues.
Dr. Swamy was awarded the Karnataka Rajyostava Award in 2024. He chaired the second Dalit Sahitya Sammelana in Hassan (2015) and the Arsikere taluk Kannada Sahitya Sammelana (2018). He was a member of the Karnataka Nataka Academy (2001-2003) and received the Nataka Academy Award (2012). He has also received the Karnataka Social Welfare Department’s Dr. BR Ambedkar Award (2017) and the Karnataka Bala Vikas Academy Award.
His publications include Karnatakada Koracharu, his research work, and Budakattu Samskriti (tribal studies). He is the Editor of three volumes: Manavatheya Tuditagalu, Battalarada Baduku and Arogya matthu Moodanambike. He is now preparing a dictionary for the kudra language of the Koracha community, which does not have a script of its own.