Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 2: Communalists have failed to penetrate the culture of the working class and marginalized communities of the coastal region, but they have infiltrated Yakshagana to promote a monoculture, opined retired principal Gananatha Yekkar.

He was speaking at a seminar on the topic 'Coastal cultural politics', organized jointly by Abhimatha Mangaluru and the Bhagat Singh Memorial Trust on Saturday. The seminar was based on the book 'Alavu Ariyada Bhashe' authored by Tumkur University professor Nityananda Shetty.

Yekkar observed that the entry of Tulu into Yakshagana happened late, but efforts to propagate the Bhagavata Dharma through Kannada had been made much earlier.

Speaking on the topic 'Four decades of communalism: Law and order failure and the way forward', journalist Naveen Soorinje said, "The RSS has a highly systematic strategy to foster communalism. They know how to secure grants even from the Congress government, but the Congress is yet to realize this."

He further pointed out that during the Congress government's tenure, Brahmakalashotsava celebrations are held on a grand scale. By inviting and honouring Congress leaders at these events, the RSS subtly conditions them to adopt a softer stance, he added.

Poet and theatre personality Raghunandana noted that many writers are ignoring the dangers of communalism due to calculations of personal gain, and stressed that efforts must be made to persuade them to speak up.

"Most writers in Karnataka do not speak out about the current situation. Some fear that addressing such issues will drive away their poetic muse or dampen their inspiration. Others remain silent fearing repercussions on their jobs, while some make 'bigger' calculations. We must take note of such individuals," he said.

Organizer Muneer Katipalla delivered the introductory remarks. The afternoon sessions of the seminar were addressed by Vasudeva Belle and Phaniraj.