Fest a positive step, say Kannada enthusiasts
Curtains come down on the district literary fest in Chikkaballapur
The second literary fest in the district came to an end on Thursday. The Sahitya Sammelana concluded on a positive, albeit low note and not much fanfare.
Kannada-lovers, who attended the programme said the fest was a small but firm step in keeping alive the tradition of the land as well as the language.
The programme nevertheless required better contribution from the people. The organisers were far too few and the fest therefore failed to reach a greater number of citizens in the district.
In addition, time-keeping failed. Some of the seminars during the programme had a very small audience, embarrassing the organisers. Also, several members of the audience expressed displeasure about the organisers, blaming them for the lack of system and proper coordination.
In spite of all hurdles, the sammelana ended peacefully.
Expecting trouble
The organisers had feared trouble-makers creating problems like at the first fest. Also, the seminars included debates on serious and controversial issues. Opinions were put forth on topics like the necessity to strengthen the current education system- especially primary education- in the district, the irrigation project and the literary and cultural tradition of the district.
Advertising required
Several enthusiasts who attended the programme, however, said the sammelana needed to be advertised much more, since at least a couple of months before. “This would have pulled in a greater number of literary enthusiasts. After all, such a literary fest takes place rarely,” they rued.
No banners or notices regarding the fest could be found in the district or taluk offices. Most people, who were busy in their day-to-day jobs, were completely unaware that such a fest was being organised in the district.
“The fest is a celebration of Kannada language. Every Kannadiga, living in every part of the State should have been invited. Only then would it become meaningful,” they added.
Shortage in district
One of the writers who attended the sammelana reminded that such literary fests are being organised rarely in these drought-ridden districts of the low-lying areas in the State. Other districts witness functions like book releases, poets’ meets, and seminars on literature almost every month.
“Although the district has a literary and cultural history that is centuries-old, the heritage is not receiving enough appreciation in recent times. The district lacks a hall for such literature-related programmes or presentation of plays,” he added with a tinge of sorrow.
Positive feeling
The guests still had a feeling of satisfaction that they reached ‘at least hundreds, if not thousands of people’.
Speakers used the platform to recollect the relationship with the erstwhile Kolar district, of which Chikkaballapur had been a part. They reminded that although divided, both districts are united in literature and culture.
The banquet too was not organised on a mega scale, unlike the previous district fest. The people were fed rice, sambar, curd rice, tomato bath, vangi bath, etc. The lunch, too, was a peaceful affair, without any rush for food, nor shortage of supply.
The valedictory function of the fest included a comedy programme, which lightened the spirit and entertained the audience.
