JOIN USSociety reacts to upper classes' concern for others: Writer
Noted researcher M Chidananda Murthy on Sunday asserted that society reacts only when people belonging to upper classes raise their voice in the interest of oppressed classes.
Addressing the gathering during a programme organised by Samvahana Samskrithika Trust at the Rotary West Hall here, Chi Mu, as Chidananda Murthy, is popularly known as among literary lovers and scholars, cited examples of Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi and the 12th century social reformer Basavanna, who struggled for the welfare of the oppressed.
Chi Mu said, “While Lincoln fought for the cause of negroes, Mahatma Gandhi though went to England and worked as a barrister, returned to India to fight for an independent nation. Basavanna, though was born in a well-to-do family, raised his voice for a casteless society. Similarly, when the 20th century was regarded as an era of English, B M Srikantaiah, popularly known as BMSri, contributed for the development of English. Srikantaiah was an English professor.”
Recalling his tryst with Mysuru (earlier Mysore), Chi Mu said, “The city remains an inspiration in many ways often encouraging the writer and the researcher in me.”
Earlier, writer Krishnamurthy Hanur, who was a student of Chi Mu at Central College, Bengaluru, sang paeans of his tutor. Hanur was proud to note that, “When
Chi Mu was offered the maiden vice-chancellor’s post of Hampi Kannada University, he outrightly refused the same.”
Hanur said, “The occasion was a protest for the cause of Kannada under the leadership of Chi Mu. The then Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde, accompanied by another leader Jeevaraj Alva, rushed to Chi Mu. It was during that time, Alva honoured Chi Mu with the vice-chancellor’s post. However, Chi Mu was quick to refuse, by saying, “If I accept the offer, I cant protest and point your mistakes.”
Meanwhile, Prasaranga Director M G Manjunath who claim to have been inspired by Chi Mu in many ways said, “Chidananda Murthy stands exceptional by denying many opportunities that came to him.”
Manjunath further added, “When those in the teaching profession aim to reach the pinnacle of their profession by becoming a vice-chancellor and indulge in lobbies to achieve their desires, Chi Mu stood exceptional by denying the vice-chancellor’s post of the Hampi Kannada University.”