Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Koppal
Koppal, Oct 30: The Gavisidda N Ballari Literary, Cultural, Art and Rural Development Service Association (R), Koppal, organised the Gavisidda N Ballari Literary Festival on October 26 at the Cultural Bhavan, Koppal.
During the event, poet Anita P Takode from Mumbai was honoured with the 2025 Gavisidda N Ballari Poetry Award. The award-winning poetry collection ‘Menakkantida Bathi’ was formally released by former MLA and thinker Y S V Datta, in the presence of distinguished guests including educationist and author Aravind Chokkadi.
Speaking after releasing the book, Y S V Datta recalled his association with Gavisidda N Ballari, noting that even during the Emergency period, Ballari actively participated in social struggles and upheld people-centric ideals. “It is commendable that a poetess is being honoured today in his memory. Gavisidda was a revolutionary poet who dedicated his life to social causes,” he said.
Educationist Aravind Chokkadi, in his address, observed that Gavisidda N Ballari was not only a poet but also a journalist deeply committed to the welfare of the people. Referring to Anita Takode’s poetry, he remarked, “Her poems, though modern in tone, reflect a hopeful new-age sensibility rather than despair. Her poetic language is powerful, capable of conveying multiple layers of meaning simultaneously.”
Mahesh Ballari, the organiser of the institution, stated that the association conducts the literary festival every year to promote literature and honour writers contributing to Kannada literary culture.
Expressing gratitude upon receiving the award, Anita P Takode said, “Poet Gavisidda Ballari gave voice to the pain of the land through his poems. His contribution to social and literary causes has earned him a permanent place in the hearts of people. Receiving an award in his name fills me with immense gratitude. I dedicate this honour to the Tulu Kannadigas of Mumbai, who have supported and inspired my literary journey.”
The event also honoured individuals for their notable contributions to social causes. Among those present on stage were Basavaraj Balkolli, B S Patil, Somashekar Gowda Patil, Nagaraj R Jummannavar, noted poetess Mamatha Arasikere, journalist Dr Jagadish Angadi, Padamchand Mehta, and senior writers Allamaprabhu Bettaduru and H S Patil.