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Kavyalaya to release 'Pranava Shakti' today

By K.N. Venkatasubba Rao

BANGALORE SEPT. 27. Despite the discouraging situation which haunts the Kannada book industry, the Mysore-based Kavyalaya Prakashana stands out for several reasons.

Its "poetic logo" (swan with lotus), business ethics, titles, and commitment to the cause of publication form a portion of the history of the Kannada book industry. Being an ombudsman of book culture and business for over six decades, Kavyalaya is all set to release Pranava Shakti, a non-commercial book by Santosh Kumar Gulvadi, veteran journalist, in Bangalore on Saturday.

Kavyalaya Prakashana, the brainchild of Koodli Chidambaram, has been in the forefront of the Kannada literary world since 1930. It has brought out over 2,000 titles in Kannada and a few in English because of the influence of the Karnataka Sangha, and literary stalwarts such as Ajjanpura Sitaram (Ananda), Kuppahalli Venkatappa Puttappa (Kuvempu), Devnagi Manappa, Bhooplam Puttananjappa, and Koodli Chidambaram, an accomplished writer and translator.

Known for its fair deals, good taste, and non-commercial approach, Kavaylaya has been associated with a number of classicists of Kannada literature, including Kuvempu, D.V. Gundappa, D.R. Bendre, M. Hirianna, B.M. Sri, Ti. Nam. Srikantaiah, Pu.Ti. Narasimahachar, A.N. Murthy Rao, Ta. Ra. Su., M.S. Puttanna, and H.V. Savitramma. It has published a number of major titles, including D.V.G's Manku Timmana Kagga, Jeevana Dharma Yoga, and Jnyapaka Chitrashale, A.N. Murthy Rao's Chitragalu Patragalu, Ta. Ra. Su's Chandavalliya Tota, Nagara Havu, Kambaniya Kuyilu, Rakta Ratri, and Tirugu Bana, B.G. L. Swamy's Hasiru Honnu and Tamilu Talegala Naduve, and Pu. Ti. Na's Gokula Nirgamana.

Koodli Chidambaram, who created a strong edifice and a good business base for Kavyalaya, died in 1980. His son, Chidambaram Koodli Krishnamurthy continued the business with the support of his elder brother, Col. (retd.) Sheshadri.

On the eve of the release of Pranava Shakti, Mr. Krishnamurthy shared his thoughts about the Kannada book industry with The Hindu.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: As a professional publisher for over two decades, what is your understanding of the Kannada book industry?

A: The situation is bleak, and as challenging as ever. Of late, production of a book is tougher than marketing it. For over six decades, Kavyalaya has been committed to providing quality reading material. But it is yet to gain due recognition from the Government. I am not seeking any personal favour. I only wish the Government will heed suggestions from experienced and successful publishers. The Government has chalked out several book-purchasing schemes, including bulk purchase by the Department of Libraries, the Kannada Book Authority, and other bodies. But publishers based away from Bangalore are not given proper information. Many publishers even allege that the authorities concerned deliberately keep them in the dark for obvious reasons. There are no set guidelines for the selection of books. The situation may improve and the majority of good books will reach the reading public if the Government takes proper care while constituting the selection committee and takes steps to prevent unethical competition.

Q: A section of the authorities complain that publishers are also responsible for the state of affairs in the Government's bulk purchase scheme. What do you say?

A: I admit that observation. But judging all publishers that way is not fair. The problem lies not with individuals but with the system. The Government should give due representation to the Kannada Book Authority, the seven academies, and reputed publishers in the book selection committee. This will hopefully help avoid duplication of books and unethical competition among publishers at the cost of public money.

Q: What is the significance of publishing Pranava Shakti at this juncture?

A: The book deals with the conceptual and functional aspects of the ever-relevant Aum.

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