Kannada contemporary writers at the first session of Naakolle Maathu at The Bookworm .
Contemporary Kannada writers are often marginalized despite Bengaluru being a melting pot of cultures and a hotbed of innovation. They feel that Kannada language and literature have faced some negligence in the Central Business District (CBD) of Bangalore, where literary and cultural events rarely highlight the local language. Many residents from this part of town whose aim is to get in touch with their literature in mother-tongue end up alienated due to lack of dedicated platforms or events for Kannada authors.
Vasudhendra, a Kannada author together with Chanda Pustaka which he owns as well as runs are making Nakolle Maathu: A series of talks by Vasudhendra with contemporary Kannada writers every fourth Saturday starting since July this year at The Bookworm on Church Street an initiative toward more public access to works by modern day Kannda authors.
On August 24, at 6 p.m, Vasudhendra will be discussing the contemporary Kannada writing world with M.R. Dattatri, Cheemanahalli Ramesh Babu.
According to the author who spoke to The Parami, recognition that current writers writing in Kannda need is not being provided but through such an occasion then these people can speak out their mind. “Mostly literary events in kannadatendto focus on book launches, government events or celebrations, senior writers and their work; no one talks or discusses work with contemporary writers” added the writer. “Through this event we want to address certain things like what challenges contemporary authors face today? What are their tasks as creators?” How could they be helped?
The long-term goal was also bringing more literary activities into places such as Church Street according to Vasudhendra. “When we went for The Bookworm about having it there they were happy and encouraged us to have more events in Kannada language. However, we chose not to stream the event live since we wanted a larger audience to gather and realize that these sorts of things could be done on Church Street, Brigade Road or M.G. Road We had a very good turnout our first session was really nice and people just kept coming in and we are very happy with it” he says.
