Kannada Meet to have foreigner's book stall

Mysuru: The three-day 83rd Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana will feature a book stall run by a foreigner. Hendrik Hardeman, a 52-year-old Dane who has learnt Kannada staying at Gokulam in city for over five years, is all out to create a history of sorts by booking a stall at the Meet. Hendrik, whose mother tongue is Dutch, has a special place for Kannada as he loves the language. Not missing any opportunity of attending Kannada Meets, Hendrik had taken part in the Sammelana held earlier at Madikeri, Vijayapura and Shravanabelagola. Apart from attending, he had participated in Poets’ Meet and other sessions. According to Hendrik, he does not skip any Meet as many precious and rare Kannada books may be available there. Hendrik, who has a passion for Kannada, takes strong objection to some booksellers opting to sell English or Hindi works along with Kannada. Hendrik, who knows to speak, read and write Kannada fluently, has learnt Kannada Grammar also. The Dane, who learnt Kannada without going to any school or classes, speaks Kannada so fluently that even a Kannadiga will be put to shame. Taking note of Hendrik’s love for Kannada, the District Administration rewarded him with District Kannada Rajyotsava Award this year. Hendrik plans to sell small story books which he has written himself. Having profound love for Kannada, Hendrik who recently attended the 12th World Sudoku Championship in Bengaluru, which drew participants from many countries, distributed over 500 Kannada booklets, which he himself has scripted, to foreign participants free of cost. These booklets too will find a place in his bookstall at the 83rd Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana.