Mangalore: Writers express concerns over commercialization of literature

Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NM)
 
Mangalore, Dec 14: "The 'Jana Nudi' programme being held today is not just against commercialization of Nudi Siri in particular, but also against any literature or cultural festival which is commercially driven," said litterateur Dr H S Anupama.
 
She was delivering the keynote address to a gathering of writers, activists and students at the packed Kalaangann hall at Shaktinagar here on Saturday December 14. The 'Jana Nudi' programme was organized under the banner of Abhimatha, Mangalore.

Dr Anupama said, "There is an unholy practice to bring fundamentalism, capitalism and even politics into literature and culture. Literature goes beyond any religion, politics and capitalism. The purpose of literature is to bring positive change. If that is not done, the next generation will be misled."
 
Pointing out that literature and activism are the two faces of the same coin, Dr Anupama said, "Both these elements are interlinked. The very purpose gets defeated if even one element is lost. Let us resolve not to receive any award or accept invitation by individuals, organizations or even the government which encourage communalism and fundamentalism directly or indirectly."
 
In his inaugural address Dr Rajendra Chenni, professor, Kuvempur University said, “Today, the literary works are influenced by market driven elements including communalism. The very essence of poetry or any other form of work is lost. We have been the bystanders of violence. Nothing affects us although there is violence right in our neighborhood. If that spark is not there with the writers, what kind of literary work can we expect?" he said, adding, "Literature should be appreciated not for its aesthetic beauty but for its inner truth."  
 
Criticizing the BJP for choosing Gujarat CM Narendra Modi as the prime ministerial candidate, Dr Chenni said, “By doing so the BJP has declared war against all of us. Modi is set to give all the facilities to the capitalists who grab land and resources of the poor. How can a person who is the reason behind Gujarat riots become the prime ministerial candidate?"
 
Writer Sara Aboobakker pointed out that there were no talks held to discuss and debate over issues like communalism, Padil home stay attack, endosulfan issue, the problems of Dalits and 'Made Snana', however, there is so much done to magnify cultural festivals spending crores of money.
 
In his presidential address Prof S G Siddaramaiah, former president of Kannada Books Authority said, “The early writers and poets used literature as a weapon to fight against social evils. But that does not largely happen now. Market-driven society and anti-social issues have hijacked the very essence of literary works."
 
Writers Kadidalu Shamanna and Lakshminarayana Nagavara also spoke on the occasion. The literary meet will witness sessions on the topics 'Women - present scenario and revolution', 'Contemporary challenges' and 'Culture and market'. Noted writers and thinkers are to take part in the discussions on various topics.
 
Dinesh Amin Mattu, media advisor to chief minister Siddaramaiah, will be the guest at the valedictory to be held at 4.30 pm on Sunday December 15. Writers Anasooyamma, Sanathkumar Belagali, Mavalli Shankar, Vasundhara Bhoopathi and educationist Harekala Hajabba will be the guests while K Neela will preside.