‘Literature is not read to find answers to problems faced by society’
News

‘Literature is not read to find answers to problems faced by society’

January 21, 2019

Mysuru: Saraswati Samman Awardee Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa said that if beef is banned, then the consumption of other meats must also be prohibited. “No animal must be treated in a cruel manner,” he added.

At the valedictory of S.L. Bhyrappa Sahityotsava, Dr. Bhyrappa said that concepts of vegetarianism and non-vegetarianism were derived from Jainism through which these ideas entered our society.

“In the West, the existence of animals is presumed to exist for the consumption of human beings. But in India, we look at animals as having souls and prana (life). All animals feel pain. They feel joy, as much as they feel pain. That is why I advocate the rejection of non-vegetarianism,” he said.

Literature and social problems

Dr. Bhyrappa said that literary works cannot provide solutions to society’s problems. “People do not read literature to find answers to problems nor should they expect them. I confronted these ideological challenges when I began writing ‘Tabbaliyu Neenade Magane’ and I was aware of the conflict between vegetarianism and non-vegetarianism. Since all Indian religions believe in reincarnation and we believe that souls of our ancestors could manifest in different forms, including animals. Hence, they should not be consumed,” he said.

Strong literary foundation

Talking at length on the criticism of his writings, the Saraswathi Samman winner said it was his strong foundation in philosophy, arts and aesthetics that helped him stand his ground against the onslaught of such criticism. Taking a dig at those describing themselves as Communist writers, Bhyrappa said, “I have seen many of them perform homas and yagnas at home.” Calling on writers to stay away from political and social movements, he added, “In a way, even my critics are responsible for my growth.”

READ ALSO  Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa inaugurates ‘Tarka Kendra’ at RIE in city

Empathy in Bhyrappa’s novels

Playwright and critic Nand Kishore Acharya from Rajasthan termed the literature as the process to digest wisdom. “It is the way to explore the freedom,” he said. “Novels should touch empathy. Bhyrappa’s ‘Sakshi’ and ‘Parva’ touch readers’ empathy. Description of even minor aspects in his novel is so complete in nature that the narration of rural life of any village in Karnataka becomes the narration of rural India,” he added.

“Through his creative writing, Bhyrappa has secured a special place for himself in modern Indian literature,” Acharya said. “There is massive crowd in this hall due to affection and respect for Bhyrappa. I haven’t seen these many people even for celebrated Hindi writers,” he said.

Lamenting the lack of works in Hindi that reflect the socio-political problems plaguing society, Acharya said, “Bhyrappa has discussed these issues in depth in his novels. Writers who acquire knowledge through reading must share it with their readers through their books,” he added.

ABOUT

Mysuru’s favorite and largest circulated English evening daily has kept the citizens of Mysuru informed and entertained since 1978. Over the past 45 years, Star of Mysore has been the newspaper that Mysureans reach for every evening to know about the happenings in Mysuru city. The newspaper has feature rich articles and dedicated pages targeted at readers across the demographic spectrum of Mysuru city. With a readership of over 2,50,000 Star of Mysore has been the best connection between it’s readers and their leaders; between advertisers and customers; between Mysuru and Mysureans.

CONTACT

Academy News Papers Private Limited, Publishers, Star of Mysore & Mysuru Mithra, 15-C, Industrial ‘A’ Layout, Bannimantap, Mysuru-570015. Phone no. – 0821 249 6520

To advertise on Star of Mysore, email us at

Online Edition: [email protected]
Print Editon: [email protected]
For News/Press Release: [email protected]