‘Prakashaka T.S. Chayapathi Samskruti Puraskara-2024’ conferred on retd. VC Prof. Mallepuram G. Venkatesh

Mysore/Mysuru: “Today, we are living in a situation where people are not committed to any fixed principles or ideologies. Instead, they are creating their own according to their way of living,” lamented humourist, columnist and writer Prof. M. Krishnegowda.

“Since it has become difficult to live according to fixed ideologies and principles, people are making their own,” he added.

He was speaking at the event  jointly organised by Talukina Venkannaiah Smaraka Granthamale, Bengaluru, Kannada Sahitya Kalakoota, Mysuru and Hoysala Kannada Sangha, Mysuru, at the Institution of Engineers-India (IEI) on JLB Road in city yesterday to present ‘Prakashaka T.S. Chayapathi Samskruti Puraskara-2024.’ and release four books published by Talukina Venkannaiah Smaraka Granthamale.

The Kannada books released on the occasion were ‘Mooru Talemaru’ authored by Ta.Su. Shamaraya, ‘Nooraru Nudigattugalu’ authored by Dr. Nilagiri M. Talawar, ‘Srijanasheelaru’ authored by T.S. Lakshmidevi and ‘Shabda Sopana’ authored by R. Dileep Kumar.

Differing ideologies, principles

Prof. Krishnegowda noted that in the present day, individuals craft their philosophies of life to suit their lifestyles. They create their ideologies and principles according to their whims and fancies, rather than adhering to the high principles and ideologies prescribed by elders in the past.

“Even the intention behind creating literature has changed of late. Earlier, writing poetry and literature was deemed a sacred endeavour that led one to salvation. Literature was considered a means to discover the truth. But now, the purpose of creating literature has shifted. It is seen as a medium to narrate the injustices and inequalities present in society,” he noted.

Widening scope of literature

The scope of literature is widening, though this expansion is not extending to other art forms and remains limited to literature. Writers who were at the forefront of the Navodaya Literature Movement created works that exhibited great dignity and their lifestyles mirrored this dignity. They lived lives more dignified than their literature. However, times have changed. Today, it is perceived that the writer is not important; only his writings matter,” said Prof. Krishnegowda.

He concluded by noting that earlier writers were never under the influence of political parties or leaders. They criticised them frankly and fearlessly. Presently, publishing houses are losing the confidence of the people and are indulging in corruption.

Dr. H.B. Rajashekar, Director, Rajashekar Medical Foundation, Mysuru, who presided over the event, conferred ‘Prakashaka T.S. Chayapathi Samskruti Puraskara-2024’ on Prof. Mallepuram G. Venkatesh, retd. Vice-Chancellor, Karnataka Sanskrit University, Bengaluru.

Prof. Morabada Mallikarjuna, Director, Publication Division, JSS Mahavidyapeetha, spoke about the books released   on the occasion.

Manasa, Chairman, Kannada Book Authority, Bengaluru, was the chief guest. M. Chandrashekar, President, Kannada Sahitya Kalakoota, Mysuru, delivered the keynote address.

Pratibha Chayapathi, Publisher, Talukina Venkannaiah Smaraka Granthamale and Ranganath Mysore, Secretary, Hoysala Kannada Sangha,  Mysuru, were present.