Mysuru, Oct. 20- Journalist K.K. Karthik’s stories inspire hope in life. He has written narratives that are essential for living, beautifully blending literature and journalism, said acclaimed National Award-winning filmmaker Mansore.

He was speaking after releasing ‘KaHaNi,’ a collection of 20 English short stories by Journalist K.K. Karthik, at an event held at the Institution of Engineers-India (IEI) on JLB Road in city recently.

“All 20 stories carry hope. Reading them felt like watching short films. The narratives are intense, rooted in everyday life, and narrated without pretension or unnecessary intellectual display. Unlike many debut works that reflect a lack of maturity, Karthik’s writing is full of lived experience. Though written in English, the stories are deeply connected to the sensibilities of Kannada culture,” Mansore said.

MLC and Senior Journalist K. Shivakumar, addressing the gathering, said: “The tradition of short stories has continued for centuries. As a journalist, it is noteworthy that Karthik has chosen this form. While literature and journalism are distinct, both must reflect society closely. In short stories, what matters most is the inner depth of thought.”

Founder of Mysuru Literature Festival and Chairperson of Mysuru Book Clubs Charitable Trust, Shubha Sanjay Urs, said, “The stories carry shades of Navarasa (nine emotions). Many of them provoke thought and stay with the reader long after.”

The event began with a prayer by Apoorva Kiran, while Harini Nivedita compered the event.