Mysore/Mysuru: Maintaining that publication of creative literature is on the decline, KSGH Music and Performing Arts University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof. Nagesh V. Bettakote regretted the increasing trend of commercialisation in the Publishing industry.

He was speaking after releasing writer and Mysuru Mithra columnist Dr. V. Ranganath’s five books at a programme organised by Samskruti Prakashana at Gopalaswamy College auditorium in Lakshmipuram here yesterday.

Bemoaning that the number of readers purchasing books is decreasing by the day, the VC attributed this to increasing influence of social media networks and stressful life of people. But despite this trend, Samskruti Prakashana has brought out the five works of Dr. Ranganath, who is also a retired Tahsildar, without looking at profitability, he said adding that the Publishing House must be lauded for bringing out such creativity filled books.

Recalling that Dr. Ranganath had presented a thesis for getting his Doctoral degree (D.Lit) when he (Nagesh) took over as the Registrar of the Music Varsity, he said that he got introduced to the writer when he started evaluating his (Ranganath) thesis.

Pointing out that Dr. Ranganath has continued his creativeness by writing books and articles even after retirement as Tahsildar, Prof.Nagesh Bettakote announced that the Music Varsity will publish Dr. Ranganath’s Doctoral thesis soon.

“I have been reading Dr. Ranganath’s columns that appear in Mysuru Mithra newspaper. The columns are a narrative of almost everything in life. The presence of such persons amongst us will certainly benefit the society by all counts,” he said adding that he had sought the help of Dr. Ranganath and RSS leader M. Venkatram whenever the University faced administrative and functional crisis.

Mysore Palace Board Deputy Director T.S. Subramanya, in his address, said that Dr. Ranganath was his guide in all respects. Noting that Dr. Ranganath is more recognised as a writer than a former Tahsildar, he said that his intellectual thoughts is much liked by people.

Pointing out that Dr. Ranganath has written 30 books in 5 years since his retirement, Subramanya said that the writer had given some useful inputs  to the district administration on Dasara programmes. Dr. Ranganth’s  suggestions are so clear that the authorities reckon them as most reliable, he added.

Medical Practitioner Dr. A.S. Chandrashekar said that he is a regular reader of Dr. Ranganath’s columns. Contending that every article throws light on new topics, he said that Dr. Ranganath has developed such skills that he can write on any subject. The books by Dr. Ranganath are worth reading for generations to come, he added.

Referring to the controversy surrounding Tipu Sultan as an Emperor, Dr. Chandrashekar said the time has come for an introspection on whether Tipu is really from our country and also whether he was a ruler.

Stating that Dr. Ranganath in his book ‘Dasara’ has thrown light on the non-conduct of Dasara for several years when Tipu ruled Mysuru, he said that the book also mentions the killing of thousands of people by Tipu and the reasons for it. The book also explains the contributions of the erstwhile Mysore rulers and their promotion of Hindu culture and traditions, he added.

The five books released were — Late Rasikaputtige’s ‘Pitrarjitha’ and ‘Bedaada Baalu’, both  edited by Dr. Ranganath and  ‘Dasara’ (a hand book), ‘Vyshaalyave Jeevana – Sankuchitateye Marana’ and ‘Jeevana Preeti’ (both collection of articles published in Mysuru Mithra). RSS leader M. Venkatarm, former MLCs Thontadarya and G. Madhusudhan, author Dr. V. Ranganath and others were present.