Mysore/Mysuru: Noted litterateur Devanur Mahadeva has been likened to a “Loka Samvadi” (world conversationalist) by senior writer Krishnamurthy Hanur, who remarked on the richness of Mahadeva’s narratives.

He made these comments while speaking at the release of the book titled “Devanur Mahadeva Jothe Maatukathe,” a compilation of select interactions with Mahadeva.

The event was organised by Abhiruchi Prakashana at the Navakarnataka Publications Book Shop premises at Ramaswamy Circle recently.

Having engaged in talks and discussions with Mahadeva for over three decades, Krishnamurthy expressed admiration for Mahadeva’s ability to embody the role of a “Loka Samvadi.” He described Mahadeva’s conversations as narratives infused with intellectualism, reflective of societal disappointments, and offering solutions to prevailing issues.

Krishnamurthy emphasised Devanur Mahadeva’s universality, noting that while he may not be affiliated with any particular religion, caste or creed, he is widely embraced across various communities.

Reflecting on the experience of reading Mahadeva’s book, Krishnamurthy drew parallels between the dialogues within it and conversations that might take place in a humble dwelling in Chitradurga, evoking the spirit of esteemed figures like Belagere Krishnamurthy and Siriyajji.

Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Sudhir Vombatkere, in his address, underscored the importance of translating Mahadeva’s work into all Indian languages to facilitate unity among Dalit communities.

During the event, writers Prof. O.L. Nagabushanswamy,  Chandrashekar Aijoor, Chikkamagalur Ganesh and Prof. Tukaram were honoured with copies of the book.

Among the attendees were former Rangayana Directors C. Basavalingaiah and H. Janardhan (Janni), Actor Prakash Raj, Wildlife experts Krupakar and Senani, Dr. S. Narendra Kumar, Padma Sriram, Devanur Mahadeva’s wife Sumitrabai and Publisher Abhiruchi Ganesh.