Text & pics: Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, May 16: “There are no problems, only challenges,” said senior writer Nemichandra Malhotra, urging people to reframe difficulties as opportunities for growth and solution-building.

She was addressing a literary dialogue organised by the Mumbai Kannada women writers’ group ‘Srujana’ in collaboration with the Mysore Association Mumbai on Thursday evening at the small auditorium of the Mysore Association in Matunga East.

Expressing concern over the rising incidence of student suicides linked to academic pressure and marks, Nemichandra described it as a disturbing trend. She questioned whether marks alone should define a child’s future and cautioned against the tendency to raise children as “race horses”, calling it a serious social concern.

Nemichandra, known for her work in science writing, women’s issues, travelogues, short stories, novels and reflective columns, interacted with members of Srujana and shared perspectives on literature, society and lived experience.

She stressed that individuals must cultivate the ability to treat problems as challenges and actively seek solutions, adding that life itself becomes a teacher when approached with the right mindset.

Srujana convenor Padmaja Mannur, secretary Latha Santosh Shetty Muddumane, treasurer Dr Dakshayani Yadahalli and senior member Shyamala Madhav were present on the dais.

Journalist C G Manjula took part in the interaction and shared her experiences from the field of literature.

Former Srujana convenor Sharada Ambesange and others were also present. Lalitha Angadi Prabhu offered the invocation. Senior member Suma Dwarkanath and co-convenor Dr G P Kusuma introduced the guests. Latha Santosh Shetty welcomed the gathering, compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks.