Samsa a native of Mandya!

The erroneous part in the textbook of class five creates confusion

Playwright Swamy Venkatadri Iyer, popularly known as Samsa, who immensely contributed in the early 20th century, was born at Agara village in Yalandur taluk, now in Chamarajanagar district (earlier in undivided Mysore district).

But, the fifth standard textbook, mentions that playwright Samsa was a native of Yalandur in Mandya district, causing confusion among teachers and students.

The state government has prepared division wise textbooks and has made efforts to introduce writers and artistes of the respective divisions. In the new Kannada medium textbook for the first semester of fifth standard, lessons in social studies, science, environmental studies and mathematics have been included.

On page 29, there are articles on writers Shivarama Karanth, B M Srikantaiah, A N Murthy Rao, R K Narayan, etc. There are two sentences about Samsa also along with a photograph. It reads: “Venkatadri Iyer (Samsa) of Yalandur in Mandya district was a pioneer in the early stage of Kannada theatre and plays.”

Stating that the mistake has come to his notice, block education officer Manjunath said the issue has been discussed at teachers’ meetings also and it has been communicated to the textbooks directorate.

“The issue has to be discussed at a meeting of the review committee and the mistake will be rectified. We are awaiting a communication from higher officials,” he added.