Writers should guide society on right direction: Na D'Souza

At a time when the society is moving in a wrong direction due to increase in sexual assault cases, corruption, blind beliefs and evil practices, the responsibility lies large on the litterateurs to guide the society to move in right direction, said litterateur Na D’Souza.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 11th Chikmagalur district Kannada Sahitya Sammelana at Tharalabalu Kalyana Mandira in Birur on Friday.

A good society can be developed when a writer writes clearly about the incidents happening in and around him and when the written content reaches people and results in revolution of thought.

An engineer or a doctor can not repair the society, but a writer can. If at all a writer does not create the work that motivates the society to go in the right direction, then he has failed in performing his duty, D’Souza said.

Further, advising the writers, he said the writer should not crave for power and position, rather should recognise the problems and atrocities taking place in the society and bring it to light.

“Today, Kannada is facing the threat of losing its strength due to the onslaught of English. Literary conventions should not be treated as mere fairs, but they are festivals to celebrate Kannada and help the growth of Kannada language,” he propagated.

In his presidential address, Rahamath Tarikere criticised the criteria to measure the development of a country.

If the development of a few rich people who have misused natural resources for personal gain, is termed as progress, then we do not need such progress because it only leads to inequality, he said.

“The development should be viewed from with what dignity the common people are living in a society. It is unfortunate that the migrants at Baina beach in Goa are dislocated. The society and politicians should be little more sensitive,” he stressed.

Speaking about the richness of Kannada, he said that Kannada dialect changes for every 30 km in the State. Every great writer has used Kannada in different style.

The Kannada used in plateau region which has a distinct style, has not be used in Kannada literary forms yet,” Rehamath said.

Emphasising the importance of travelling for the growth of a writer, he said a writer can not get new ideas without being exposed to new atmosphere.

“Travelling helps the writer to understand the limitations of one’s language and significance of culture and life style,” he said.

The writer hoped for more researches to take place in Chikmagalur district.

The district is a significant centre for Kapalika, Shaktha, Natha, Aruda and Soofi sects and there is a wide scope for research. He also batted for the protection of Amritha Mahal Kaval at Basur and Ajjampura.

MLA Y S V Datta and others were present. A procession was carried out from Veerabhadra Swami temple premises to the venue of the programme.

Cultural troupes added colour to the procession.