Mysuru: Maintaining that both Leftist and Rightist ideologies were harmful to the society, veteran writer Maleyur Guruswamy has said that columnists should be simple, clear and honest in their presentation. He was speaking at a programme organised by Ananya Pustakagalu Publications for the release of writer G.L. Tripurantaka’s work titled ‘Badukondu Yatre,’ a collection of his articles published in SOM’s sister concern Mysooru Mithra, at JSS High School in Saraswathipuram on Sunday.

Quoting English author George Orwell that articles should be issue focussed, clear and honest, Guruswamy said Tripurantaka’s articles had everything what Orwell had said about a good article.

Pointing out that Tripurantaka’s articles was easily understood by every reader, he said that those who worshipped Chamundeshwari were Rightists, while those who celebrate Mahisha Dasara were Leftists.

While Rightists were attracted by arts and culture, Leftists were against idol worship, he said that both the two ideologies were not fit to the society.

Noting that article writing in Kannada has a long history, he opined that article writing in newspapers became famous with writers such as Ha. Ma. Nayak, B.V. Vykuntaraju, Chandrasekhar Patil and Patil Puttappa penning down their articles.

Bemoaning that Rightist and Leftist articles are beginning to gain prominence these days, he said that there has been a silver lining with many noted writers writing articles on religion, politics, science and other social and scientific issues.

Mysuru District Journalists Association (MDJA) President C.K. Mahendra who spoke after releasing the book, said that newspapers have overcome  the onslaught of social media, with the number of readers growing by the day.

Pointing out that Mysuru had become a hub of book releases, with many good works being published regularly, he said that he was happy to release Tripurantaka’s work containing his published articles, which were written in keeping with his (Tripurantaka) conscience.

Suttur Mutt Seer Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Swamiji graced the occasion.

JSS Mahavidyapeetha Director (Rural Development) Dr. M. Mahadevappa presided. Writer G.L. Tripurantaka, publisher D.N. Lokappa and others were present during the programme.