Unification of Karnataka remains incomplete, says Sumitra Bai

Veteran Kannada writer and chairperson of Alva’s Nudisiri 2016 literary and cultural festival Dr B N Sumitra Bai on Friday described the unification of Karnataka as an incomplete exercise and people are yet to be united in the state.

At the inauguration of ‘Alva’s Nudisiri-2016’, the annual literary and cultural fete of Alva’s Education Foundation at Moodbidri, she said, “It is evident as Karnataka is still divided as north Karnataka, coastal Karnataka, Hyderabad Karnataka, as named by the British (who were ruling India during pre-Independence era).”
 
She wondered whether Kannadigas recently celebrated the 60th year of unification of the state or observed its ‘Shanthi’ (paying respects to departed souls). The meaning of ‘unification’ should be understood in its wider spirit, she observed.

Taking exception to dedicated status for women’s literature, Sumitra Bai said, “Literature is above gender and cannot be distinguished from literature of others.”

She called for inculcating scientific thinkings among the future generation without any bias.

Writer and lyricist Jayanth Kaikini, who inaugurated the event, said, “Arts, literature and culture help us develop good thinking when compared to the conditioned mindset being developed by the younger generation, swayed over by WhatsApp.

Such is the mindset that people invariably share the messages on social networking site unmindful of its contents.”

Giving a clarion call for nurturing culture as a garden rather than making it a piece of attraction in museum, Kaikini cited the example of relevant scenario where culture has assumed significance.

He described the cultural festivals with artistes and troupes from different parts assembling at a place, as another way of freedom of expression.

Postal covers on ‘Saavira Kambada Basadi’ at Moodbidri and Bahubali statue at Venoor and a stamp were released on the occasion.

Kannada Sahiitya Parishat President Manu Baligar, Vice-chancellor of Karnataka Folkore University K Chinnappa Gowda, MLC Ganesh Karnick, MLA and former minister
K Abhayachandra Jain, former MLA K Amarnath Shetty, Alva’s Education Foundation Chairman Dr M Mohan Alva were present.
DH News Service