Writers unhappy with topics for discussion at meet

Writers and activists are unhappy with the topics listed for discussion in sessions as per the invitation in circulation for the 81st Akhila Bharatha Kannada Sahitya Sammelana (literary meet), scheduled to be held from February 1 to 3 at Shravanabelagola, in Channarayapatna taluk.

A few writers, on condition of anonymity, said, except for a few topics, most of the sessions are not relevant to the development of Kannada language, Kannada literature, Karnataka or its people. “The session on ‘Constitution and State Language Policy’, scheduled to be chaired by Justice Hemalatha Mahishi; the one on ‘Life of Kannadigas and People’s Movements’ to be chaired by K Marulasiddappa and another on ‘Information Technology and Kannada’ to be chaired by K Chidanandagowda are meaningful. But, some topics are so pathetic that we do not even understand their meaning and purpose,” they said.


However, while discussing the topic on State language, either the Education Minister or the Advocate General or at least a representative of the State government should be present to clarify the stand of the government, they added. Some dalit writers and activists point out that there was no topic on either dalit literature or dalit movements, even though the chairman of the literary meet is a dalit writer, Siddalingaiah.


The worst victims of globalisation are the backward sections of the society, women and regional languages. But, these issue have failed to make it to the list of topics to be discussed.


Another major issue is the curbing of the freedom of expression by fundamentalists of all colours and creed. The onus was on the Kannada Sahitya Parishat, the organiser of the literary meet, to raise the issue and fight for the rights of the writers and also people. But, the issue has been neglected, they pointed out.


Environmental issues


Writer Roopa Hassan said, the burning issues of the district are elephant menace, opposition to the Yettinahole project, movements to save the Western Ghats and the effects of implementing Kasturirangan Committee report. But, none of the issues are being discussed in at least the ‘Jilla Darshana Gosti’, which is slated to focus on the aspects of the district, she added.


Some activists have taken exception to the announcement about the deployment of 1,200 police personnel for providing security during the literary meet. “The Police department is planning to turn the venue into a fortress. This is a literary festival. People come here to celebrate the essence of Kannada and Karnataka. Deployment of Police personnel to assist the participants to park their vehicles and to guide the people coming from across the State is acceptable. But, the Police should not become a nuisance,” they said.