Mysore/Mysuru: Two Kannada books — ‘Bhame’ (a Kannada novel) and ‘Sanna Kathegalu’ (compilation of short stories) — authored by P.M. Manoj (Dheviputhran), were released at a programme organised at Institution of Engineers-India (IEI) on JLB Road in city yesterday by senior writer from Kanive (Kodagu) Bharadwaj K. Anandatheertha.

Stating that a book’s value is to be decided by the readers, Bharadwaj advised the author not to consider only views of a few critics as a parameter to judge a book but continue to write.

Ponting out that a writer should not worry about the number of books he wants to write, Bharadwaj said: “Senior littérateur Devanur Mahadeva has written hardly 3-4 books but the world recognises him with his writings. At the same time, there are a few authors who boast of having written 500-600 books and they themselves will not know even the names of their books let alone the readers knowing it. Hence, what becomes important is what you write and not how many books you write.”

Speaking about the author, the veteran writer said: “I myself having come from journalism field, I have observed many boys; During our younger days, everyone wanted to write and think like Lankesh (now late). Now, youths want to emulate Ravi Belagere (now late). I have read two of Manoj’s books and I don’t see any such influence in his writings as he has his own unique style.”

Voracious reader H.S. Tejas spoke about the newly released books and the author. Writer & journalist Poorigali Maradeshamurthy and author’s mother P.C. Saroja too spoke on the occasion.

Kodagu’s poetess Krupa Devaraj, writer Jannath Noushad, journalist Ranjith Kavalapaara, readers Bharat and Ramachandra Rao shared their opinions about the author’s earlier writings.

Vanshika and Yashvitha rendered invocation. Keerthana Raju compered the programme.