Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, Oct 19: “In today’s world, we must strive to preserve the child within us. Under the growing influence of modern civilisation, children are maturing too quickly and losing their innocence far too early,” observed renowned thinker and senior writer Lakshmeesha Tolpady.

He was speaking at the launch of a children’s poetry collection titled ‘Putani Kinnari Kavita’, authored by Radheesh Tolpady S, an English lecturer at Benjanapadavu Government Pre-University College. The event took place on Saturday evening at Kannada Bhavana, B C Road, and was organised by the Abhiruchi Jodumarga Literary and Cultural Forum, Bantwal.

Presiding over the ceremony, Tolpady reflected on the essence of children's literature, stating, “It is a mirror of our own words and voices. When Nachiketa asks his father, ‘To whom will you give me?’, is that not one of the finest examples of children’s literature?”

He further stressed the need to nurture the innate innocence in every individual: “We must reawaken the child within us. Losing innocence means losing a vital part of humanity. Great children's literature is an expression of our inner voice – unfiltered and honest. Nature has gifted each of us a unique tone.”

Highlighting the pressures of modern society, he added, “Today, due to the impact of urbanisation and lifestyle changes, children are growing up too soon. Childhood is meant to be free of conflict and confusion. Every one of us has experienced that untainted world in our early years, but we tend to lose it as we grow older. Despite contradictions and chaos, children possess the strength to flourish. Their minds are like mirrors, reflecting the world without bias. That is precisely why we must move towards fostering and promoting children's literature.”

Dr Sridhar H G, retired professor from the Kannada Department of Puttur’s Vivekananda College, officially released the collection and offered his reflections on the work. He praised the use of accessible language and relatable themes for children.

“The poet has intricately woven emotions such as wonder, joy, and even sorrow, making the poems rich in sentiment,” he noted. “If these poems are adapted into visual media, they could reach younger audiences more effectively through contemporary platforms.”

Author Radheesh Tolpady shared his thoughts on the inspiration and creative journey behind the collection.

Balakrishna Shetty, a teacher from Sajipamooda High School who illustrated the poems, was felicitated for his contributions.

Adding a musical touch to the evening, Sheena Nadoli, English lecturer at Belthangady Government PU College, along with students of Keerthana Sangeetha Shaale, Manimajalu, presented melodious renditions of select children’s poems from the book.

The event was compered by veteran theatre personality Mahabaleshwara Hebbar, with a welcome address delivered by Damodar, President of Abhiruchi Jodumarga. Students of the Panje Literary Club, Benjanapadavu Government PU College, extended support for the smooth conduct of the programme.