The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Role of progressive literature stressed

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jul 21, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Role of progressive literature stressed

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: Literature with progressive content holds the potential to foil the designs of fundamentalist forces in society, said well-known literary critic Ki. Ram. Nagraj.

Speaking at the launch of “Bayala Belaku” authored by Mudnakudu Chinnaswamy here on Sunday, he said though fundamentalist elements spoke incessantly of religion and culture, they had no real faith or concern for them. These are used, he added, only for political gains. Those who remain untouched by progressive literature, he said, spread violence in society.

Upendra Tripathi, Secretary, Transport Department, said Mr. Chinnaswamy stands out among workers in government service who usually get bogged down by routine work. He suggested that a cultural profile of government employees could be prepared and steps taken to develop their talents.

Presiding over the function, renowned critic Marulasiddappa emphasised the need to strengthen progressive literatures “when a fascist rule has taken over under the garb of democratic rule.”

B.A. Vivek Rai, Vice-Chancellor of Karnataka Open University, and K.B. Siddaya, poet, were present.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka