Udupi: Parallel Kannada Literary Convention Draws Massive Response
 
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MM/RD)
Pics: Ahmed Anwar and Durga Digitals
 
Udupi, Dec 9: The ‘Souharda Sahitya Sammelan,’ which created a sensation among the Kannada literature-lovers all over the state, was held in the Ammanni Ramanna Auditorium here on Sunday, December 9.

This literary convention has been organized as a mark of protest against the way usual Kannada literary convention which would be held in this same town. The organizers blamed that the Kannada literary convention has been hijacked by the upper-caste people. Hence, they organized this ‘Souharda Sahitya Sammelan’ to unite the people of all castes, classes and sects. The thinkers dubbed this struggle as ‘Tilisaru’ v/s ‘Meenu Saru.’ (The vegetable curry usually preferred by the upper caste people v/s the fish curry which represents all castes, class and creed).
 
Eminent thinker and writer Govindaiah, in his inaugural address, said that the ‘Kannada Sahitya Sammelan’ which would be held from Wednesday, December 12 was anti-common people and against the well-being of the commoners. The Kannada Sahitya Parishad should take caution about this issue, he advised. 

The Sangh Parivar has monopolized ‘Kannada Sahitya Sammelan’ to be held here. Hence, this convention was organized as protest against the role of Sangh Parivar in hijacking the convention, he informed.
 
Interestingly, Chandrashekhar Patil, president of Kannada Sahitya Parishad, attended the whole convention here. Moreover, he opined that nowhere has he found such a well-organized Kannada literary convention so far.
 
Dr G Ramakrishna, editor of ‘Hosatu’ magazine, presided over the function. 

As said earlier, the seafood delicacies of the coastal residents, namely, mackerel (Bangude) fry and ‘Marwai Sukka’ (dried shell-fish curry) was served during lunch. Vegetarian food was also served for the vegetarians here in the interest of universality.
 
Over 1,500 people attended this convention.  Moreover, it is significant that all the guests and resource persons were present on the dais at the right time.