Vice-Chancellor of University of Mysore K S Rangappa on Saturday announced that henceforth the University would take the responsibility of publishing the works of writer Devanur Mahadeva.

Addressing a gathering of litterateurs, thinkers and the faculty of various universities at a State-level seminar on Devanur Mahadeva’s recent work; Edege bidda akshara, Rangappa said that the writer had “immensely contributed to the literary world”.

The seminar was organised by Dr B R Ambedkar Research and Extension Centre in association with Grameena, a NGO and Vismaya Foundation.

Singing paeans of Devanur, as the writer is popular as, Rangappa recalled his days as VC of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), when he wanted to confer honorary D Litt (doctorate) on Devanur. “Instead, Devanur suggested the name of ‘Ragi’ Lakshmanaiah for the latter’s achievements in the field of agriculture. Lakshmanaiah was honoured with D Litt, as suggested by Devanur,” said Rangappa, adding that he had made another attempt, but Devanur remained nonchalant to the proposal.

Prof Aravind Malagaththi of Kuvempu Institute for Kannada Studies (KIKS) said that the recent work of Devanur had silenced the critics. The Kannada literary world was a mix of litterateurs who have a penchant for criticising the works of others without any valid reason.

Terming the book as ‘Dalit Swaraj’, Malagaththi said such seminars should be organised in all the taluks. Litterateur Nataraj Huliyar, Halathi Somashekar of Vismaya Publications, Raju of Grameena and others were present.