Gamaka artiste and freedom fighter 93-year-old C.S. Mangalamma and Vijaya Shankar, a bilingual expert, were the ones who were felicitated at the interaction meet.

Speaking at the meet, freedom fighter C.S. Mangalamma said that  although her mother tongue was Tamil, she always conversed in Kannada, as she has found home in Kannada Nadu and consume Cauvery water. Maintaining that she takes pride in saying that Kannada is her mother tongue, she said that she knew Telugu, Sanskrit and English, apart from Kannada and Tamil.

Recalling her days as a freedom fighter, she regretted that the present generation has failed to understand the spirit behind Freedom Struggle.

The other guest at the meet, Vijaya Shankar, a bi-lingual expert, said that she credits her mother for whatever she has learnt.

Recalling her student days when she used to take part in group discussions, she recounted an incident when she thought of stopping writing after a novel scripted by her was published in the name of someone else. But she continued to write after a well-wisher friend convinced her, she said and added that writing was always a pleasure for her.  

Sripadu, Editor and Publisher of ‘Kolalu,’ Mandya, was the chief guest. Senior teacher Y.G. Sharada, music teacher Bhavani Rao and S.G. Sitaram were the special invitees.

Veteran Theatre artiste Rajashekar Kadamba, Mysore Art Gallery President L. Shivalingappa, Secretary Dr. Jamuna Rani Mirle and others were present.

Profile

Nonagenarian freedom fighter C.S. Mangalamma, is also a Gamaka artiste. She started a rehabilitation centre for the mentally retarded in city in 1995 and also founded Chetana Trust, aimed at serving rural population. A philanthropist, she has helped many girl students in their education. Also known for her writing skills, she has 12 works to her credit.

Writer Vijaya Shankar is a bi-lingual expert who is well-versed in Kannada and Telugu languages. She has translated many famous Kannada works to Telugu and vice-versa. After retirement from service as a teacher, she has continued her writing in Kannada and Telugu.