‘Kalaburgi Zilla Kavi-Kavya Parampare’ a rare book on the literary tradition of Gulbarga district brought out by the Zilla Kannada Sahitya Parishat on the occasion of Suvarna Karnataka celebrations, will be released here on June 24, Sunday.

Former vice-chancellor of Kannada University Dr H G Lakkappa Gowda will release the book and president of the 10th Zilla Kannada Sahitya Sammelana Dr D B Nayak will preside over the function.

The programme will be held at Kannada Bhavan in the City at 10.30 am. Giving details of the book Zilla Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Veerabhadra Simpi told media persons here on Thursday that the book contained the life and works of eminent literary personalities of the early period, medieval period and the modern times - all hailing from the district.

Unique

He said, Gulbarga district had a unique and very important position in the contribution and enrichment of various forms of literature right from Sri Vijaya the author of the Kannada’s first ever literary work ‘Kavirajamarga’ of the ninth century to Sonnad Lingabasappa of 20th century.

“The author of earliest literary work Sri Vijaya, celebrated mathematician Mahaviracharya, eminent jurist Vijnaneshwara of Mitakashara fame, earliest Vachana composer Jedara Dasimayya and several others hail from Gulbarga district. But unfortunately no one has done anything so far to record their achievements in one book,” Simpi said.

He also criticised the Gulbarga University for not making any efforts to bring text books on these great personalities.

Simpi said the Zilla Sahitya Parishat thought it fit to bring out a volume on the literary celebrities of the yore which will go as a permanent contribution in the history of Kannada literature.

The book has been financed by Prof A Y Naik, founder of Sri Guru Independent PU Science College, Gulbarga. He has donated Rs 50,000 for the publication of the book.

49 writers

The 414 page book contains profiles of 50 literary personalities penned by 49 writers. There are 10 personalities of ‘Halegannada’ (old Kannada) period including Sri Vijaya, Mahaviracharya, Vijnaneshwara, Lakshmisha, Teekacharya from 858 AD to 1855 AD; and five personalities of Hosagannada (new Kannada) period including Kapataral Krishnarao, Tavag Bhimsen Rao and Rastapur Bhimakavi.

It also profiles 13 ‘Vachanakaras’ including Jedara Dasimayya, Allam Prabhu, Duggale, Akkamma, Bhoganna; 18 Tatva Padakaras from Kadakol Madivaleshwara and Sonnada Lingabasappa; and four Kalajnana Kavis (futurist Poets) including Kodekal Basavanna and Tinthini Mouneshwar.

Saraswati Chimmalagi, B G Visaji, T M Bhaskar and Basavalinga Soppimath will speak on various  aspects of the book.

Veerabhadra Simpi said on the occasion of book release donor A Y Naik, Dr Ajay Singh who has financed for bringing out six books on Sahitya Sammelana presidents, and writers of the book to be released, will be felicitated.