Mysore/Mysuru: “In Kannada literary world Masti is called as “Masti Kannadada Aasti (Masti is Kannada’s property). Through his short stories, he enriched Kannada literature,” opined Kannada Book Authority (KBA) Chairman Dr. M.N. Nandeesh Hanche.

He was speaking at a function organised by Apoorva Sneha Balaga and Mysuru District Brahmins Youth Forum at Masti Venkatesha Iyengar Circle on Adichunchanagiri Road recently after offering floral tributes to Dr. Masti’s portrait.

“Masti is known as the Father of Short Stories. He was awarded the Jnanpith award by the Union Government for this work ‘Chikkaveera Rajendra’ and was also bestowed with many other honours”, he added.

District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Maddikere Gopal, who also spoke said that Masti had created many works and was honoured by the then Maharaja of Mysore. “Masti wrote his first story ‘Rangana Maduve’ at the age of 18. He passed the then Indian Civil Service examination and served as the Deputy Commissioner,” he added.

Corporator M.C. Ramesh opined that the works of Masti will be valuable for the next generation also. Every Kannadiga should read the books written by Masti and imbibe the values written therein.  Jeevadhara Blood Bank’s Girish, KR Bank Vice-President Basavaraj, Apoorva Sneha Balaga President Apoorva Suresh, Mysuru District Brahmins Youth Forum General Secretary Vikram Iyengar and others were present on the occasion.