Mysuru:  Suttur Mutt Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji said that noted humourist Na. Kasturi was well-versed in presenting facts through humour.

He was speaking after releasing ‘Koravanji Kasturi’ and ‘Na.Kasturi avara Baduku-Baraha’ books at the “Na. Kasturi Samsmaranotsava” programme organised under the joint aegis of ‘Na.Kasturi Haasya Rasika Vrunda’ and Akashvani, Mysuru, at JSS Women’s College in Saraswathipuram here recently.

The Swamiji pointed out that though Na. Kasturi’s mother- tongue was Malayalam, his contribution to Kannada literature was enormous.

Noting that Kasturi started his career as a teaching faculty at the city’s D. Banumaiah educational institutions, the Seer said that Kasturi learnt Kannada at the age of 25 years and went on to write plays, stories and novels in Kannada.

“Kasturi used to present facts with a blend of humour. He was a master at creating a sense of humour among citizens through his writings. Poet Laureate Kuvempu had once written that  he was inspired by Kasturi and Siddeshwarananda,” he said.

Stating that Kasturi strived a lot for the establishment of Ramakrishna Ashram in Mysuru, the Seer said that Kasturi and Siddeshwarananda were childhood friends.

Also Kasturi was the one who named the public radio broadcast started by Gopalaswamy in the city as ‘Akashvani.’

He further said that Kasturi hid behind all his personal sorrow to enthral the public with his wit and humour. He was a helpful personality throughout his life, the Seer added.

Noted orator Prof. M. Krishnegowda, Ramanuja, Belur Ramamurthy, Rajaram and others were present on the occasion.