22/03/2026
The Dignity of Language, Faith in Democracy, and Love for the Soil
Another International Honour for Nagathihalli Ramesh
“The highest duty of a human being is to work for the welfare and service of others; it is this spirit that builds a prosperous nation.”
— Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Who in India does not know the name of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, one of the greatest social reformers of the country? Speaking about him, the great poet Rabindranath Tagore once described him as:
“Vidyasagar was a man shaped by unwavering dedication and firm resolve. He worked tirelessly to bring moral education and ethical values into the mainstream of learning. In essence, he was a force who strived for human progress through self-respect and self-determination.”
It was in recognition of his immense contribution to education that the people lovingly conferred upon him the title “Vidyasagar.”
Another towering personality from the soil of Bengal was Dhirendranath Datta.
It is in remembrance of these two extraordinary luminaries that the “Bhasha Ratna International Award” has been instituted by the Journalists’ Association of Kolkata and Anand Bahar, with the cooperation of the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal. This prestigious honour is awarded to individuals who have made remarkable contributions in the fields of language, literature, culture, and enlightened social thought.
This year, the award proudly comes to the vibrant cultural landscape of Karnataka, recognising the distinguished poet, thinker, organiser, farmer and socio-political analyst Nagathihalli Ramesh.
The award itself has been established in the sacred memory of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Dhirendranath Datta, whose profound scholarship, humanitarian ideals and courageous struggle for justice greatly enriched India’s intellectual and cultural heritage.
The purpose of this honour is to celebrate individuals whose work inspires society, nurtures human values, and illuminates cultural thought through meaningful contributions in language, literature, and social awareness.
Nagathihalli Ramesh embodies these very ideals.
Poet Nissar Ahmed once wrote, with a hint of unease, “Being among you, yet not becoming like you.” But for many who have walked alongside Ramesh, he has been a source of courage and inspiration—someone who believes that standing together means growing together.
His poetry and artistic expression carry the pulse of human compassion. His creative works—particularly his short films—speak powerfully about humanity and justice. Just as Charlie Chaplin warned the world of the dangers of war through his iconic film The Great Dictator, Ramesh’s short film “Yuddhāṇu” echoes a profound plea for humanity in times overshadowed by war and violence.
Through such works, he reminds society that weapons cannot rule over memory, and that human dignity will always outlive tyranny.
It is this commitment to humanity and culture that has elevated him to the honour of the Bhasha Ratna International Award.
The award includes:
A cash prize of ₹1,00,000
A commemorative memento
A ceremonial honour
A certificate of recognition
The award ceremony will be held on March 29 at 3:00 PM at the Krishnapada Ghosh Memorial Hall in Kolkata.
Nagathihalli Ramesh – A Brief Profile
Nagathihalli Ramesh was born on June 1, 1967, in Nagathihalli village of Nagamangala Taluk in Mandya district, Karnataka, to T. Rangappa and Kempavva.
Growing up amid the harsh realities of rural poverty, he developed a deep sensitivity toward society and human struggle. A graduate in science and later a law graduate, he gained recognition early in life as an exceptional debater, winning around 150 debate competitions during his student years.
His creativity has branched into numerous fields:
Poetry
Journalism
Publishing
Short film making
Documentary production
Environmental thought
Agriculture
Cultural activism
Through his publishing initiative “Srushti Publications,” he has brought out several significant literary works.
His poetry collection “Samudra Mattu Male” (The Sea and the Rain) introduced a fresh emotional sensibility to Kannada literature. The work has also been translated into:
English as The Sea and The Rain (translated by Ankur Betageri)
Hindi as Sagar Aur Baarish (translated by Girish Jakapure)
His poems have been translated into several Indian and international languages, and some have been included in university curricula.
Ramesh has also produced and directed several short films. Among them, “Berugalatta” (Towards the Roots) has received 16 international awards.
In addition, his musical poetry albums—such as Avva, Tili, Jeeva Jeevada Haadu, Bayala Kannadi, Manada Minchu, and Malekavu—have created a distinctive presence in the cultural landscape of Karnataka.
Awards and Recognitions
Nagathihalli Ramesh has received numerous honours for his contributions to literature, culture, social awareness and environmental thought. Some of the notable awards include:
Karnataka State Youth Award
Karnataka State Environment Award
Kuvempu Sahitya Ratna Award
Vishwatma Award
Nadaprabhu Kempegowda International Award
Karnataka Praja Ratna Award
Kalinga Vishwachetana National Award (Odisha)
Vishva Bharatiya Jeeva Jyoti National Award
Bharatiya Karunya Vishwa Hridaya National Award
Sri Krishna Premamrutham International Award
Jagahridaya National Award
Premanjali International Lifetime Achievement Award
Saraladevi National Honour
Vivekananda Peace Award (2026)
In 2025, he was also invited as an honoured guest and speaker at the International Human Rights Day celebration in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
In essence, the life and work of Nagathihalli Ramesh transcend the boundaries of literature or art alone. His journey stands as a living testimony to human compassion, social commitment, respect for language, and a deep love for the soil of this land.
