<p class="bodytext">The Kannada Sahitya Parishat, established in 1915 to promote Kannada language, literature, culture and folklore, is facing an existential crisis. Once a revered institution, the tax-payer funded Parishat is now embroiled in controversies that betray its founding principles. The latest uproar stems from a proposed amendment to the bylaws allegedly designed to consolidate the position of Mahesh Joshi, who assumed office as president in 2021. Over the years, the Parishat has faced questions about eroding autonomy and increased political interference. It is also being accused of drifting away from its literary moorings. In 2023, prominent writers had publicly condemned the intrusion of party politics in Parishat elections, stressing the need to preserve its independent and non-partisan character.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The annual Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, meant to be a celebration of Kannada, has become synonymous with controversy. The 86th Sammelana in Haveri (2023) during Basavaraj Bommai’s tenure as chief minister, drew criticism for allegedly sidelining Muslim writers, despite their significant contribution to Kannada literature. This exclusion led to the organising of a parallel event, Jana Sahitya Sammelana, to offer a platform for marginalised voices and women. The 87th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in Mandya (2024) further exacerbated tensions. A ban on non-vegetarian food at the event sparked debates over cultural inclusivity, and the Parishat’s role in representing diverse traditions. Previous Sammelanas have also been marred by controversies over financial mismanagement and favouritism in the selection of speakers. Amidst this turmoil, Mahesh Joshi reportedly received death threats, prompting the High Court to direct the state government to provide him with police protection. The fact that the president of a literary organisation requires such security underscores the distressing extent to which politics has infiltrated and degraded this esteemed institution.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The Parishat was envisioned as a platform for literary expression and cultural exchange, untainted by political and communal biases. However, recent developments indicate a sharp deviation from this vision. Instead of fostering literary discourse, the institution has become a pawn in political power struggles, with successive governments attempting to control its leadership and policies. It is imperative for the writers and Parishat members to introspect and reclaim its original purpose. While some critics have urged the government to dissolve the elected body and appoint an administrator to restore order, the primary responsibility lies with the literary community. The Parishat should return to its foundational ideals—promoting Kannada literature without succumbing to political and ideological pressures. Only though collective introspection and a renewed commitment to its original mission can the Parishat regain its rightful place as a true sentinel of Kannada literature and culture.</p>
<p class="bodytext">The Kannada Sahitya Parishat, established in 1915 to promote Kannada language, literature, culture and folklore, is facing an existential crisis. Once a revered institution, the tax-payer funded Parishat is now embroiled in controversies that betray its founding principles. The latest uproar stems from a proposed amendment to the bylaws allegedly designed to consolidate the position of Mahesh Joshi, who assumed office as president in 2021. Over the years, the Parishat has faced questions about eroding autonomy and increased political interference. It is also being accused of drifting away from its literary moorings. In 2023, prominent writers had publicly condemned the intrusion of party politics in Parishat elections, stressing the need to preserve its independent and non-partisan character.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The annual Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, meant to be a celebration of Kannada, has become synonymous with controversy. The 86th Sammelana in Haveri (2023) during Basavaraj Bommai’s tenure as chief minister, drew criticism for allegedly sidelining Muslim writers, despite their significant contribution to Kannada literature. This exclusion led to the organising of a parallel event, Jana Sahitya Sammelana, to offer a platform for marginalised voices and women. The 87th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in Mandya (2024) further exacerbated tensions. A ban on non-vegetarian food at the event sparked debates over cultural inclusivity, and the Parishat’s role in representing diverse traditions. Previous Sammelanas have also been marred by controversies over financial mismanagement and favouritism in the selection of speakers. Amidst this turmoil, Mahesh Joshi reportedly received death threats, prompting the High Court to direct the state government to provide him with police protection. The fact that the president of a literary organisation requires such security underscores the distressing extent to which politics has infiltrated and degraded this esteemed institution.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The Parishat was envisioned as a platform for literary expression and cultural exchange, untainted by political and communal biases. However, recent developments indicate a sharp deviation from this vision. Instead of fostering literary discourse, the institution has become a pawn in political power struggles, with successive governments attempting to control its leadership and policies. It is imperative for the writers and Parishat members to introspect and reclaim its original purpose. While some critics have urged the government to dissolve the elected body and appoint an administrator to restore order, the primary responsibility lies with the literary community. The Parishat should return to its foundational ideals—promoting Kannada literature without succumbing to political and ideological pressures. Only though collective introspection and a renewed commitment to its original mission can the Parishat regain its rightful place as a true sentinel of Kannada literature and culture.</p>
