Mysore/Mysuru: “Though good books are being published in Kannada and talented writers are emerging, the number of readers is steadily declining,” said D.N. Lokappa, noted city-based Publisher and Head of Samvahana Prakashana.

He was speaking during a panel discussion titled ‘Kannada Sahityakke Saddillada Sahasamaya Sahakara Needuva Prakashakaru Mattu Savalugalu’ (Publishers who boldly support Kannada literature without hesitation and the challenges they face) on the second day of the Mysuru Literature Festival here yesterday.

Lokappa stressed that support from readers is just as crucial as Government assistance. “Many publishers would have struggled to survive if not for the public library book supply scheme,” he remarked. “While books by renowned authors continue to sell, it is becoming increasingly difficult to promote and sell books by emerging writers.”

Appeal of physical books

Publisher Veerakaputra Srinivas underlined the enduring appeal of physical books. “The pleasure of holding a book in your hands is what keeps publishing alive,” he said, calling for innovative strategies to connect readers with books. “Though readership is growing, the challenge is to ensure quality publications reach the right audience,” he added.

Raising concerns over declining Kannada usage among children, Srinivas noted that many now ask for English versions of popular Kannada titles. “If we teach Kannada to just one generation, we create two generations of readers,” he asserted. “e-books can never replace the tactile, emotional experience of reading a paper book,” he noted.

Prof. B.N. Sriram, another Publisher on the panel, said there is still strong demand for the works of late writer K.P. Poornachandra Tejaswi. “His novel ‘Carvalho’ recently reached its 87th reprint, which is a rare achievement,” he noted.

Sriram credited former Chief Minister D. Devaraj Urs for initiating the public library supply scheme, which mandates the government purchase of 350 books. “Though the scheme faced criticism at its inception, it remains essential even today,” he said.

Writer Ganesh Ameengad also shared his insights during the session. Publishers Ningaraj Chittannavar of Chintana Chittara Prakashana, Abhiruchi Ganesh and others were present.