The second edition of Mangaluru Literature Festival was kick-started with the inaugural ceremony, “Genesis”, held on 29th November at Dr TMA Pai Hall which set a cornerstone for the festival. Genesis was inaugurated by Dr Chandrashekhara Kambara. Dr M. Chidananda Murthy, Dr N Vinaya Hegde, Dr B.V. Vasanth Kumar and M. S. Chaitra were the dignitaries present. The event began with an enthralling Yakshagana performance.
Prominent Indian poet, playwright, folklorist and Kannada film director Dr Chandrashekara Kambara, described as a “magician of words”, addressed the audience and spoke about how the British invasion in India led us into following their culture for their own benefit. This was owed not only to India’s wealth, but also its rich heritage, knowledge, culture and values. “The day we decided to obey the Westerners and believe that we are fools who are uneducated, we had already lost the battle”, he said. He added on how Indian writers seek inspiration not from previous Indian poets and novelists, but from the West. “In an era where people are slaves to modern technology and western culture, it is high time to slow down, reflect and think. It is important to teach our future generation about our past writers.”
Dr B.V. Vasanth Kumar, President, Karnataka Sahitya Academy, introduced Dr M Chidananda Murthy as a persona who can do anything and sacrifice everything for upliftment of the culture, heritage and literature of the country. A biography on Dr Chidananda Murthy, ‘Satyam Shodham Nirbheetam’ was also launched during the session.
In his address, acclaimed writer, researcher and historian Dr M Chidananada Murthy thanked God and said that God is the ultimate truth that he believes in. “Bharat is the real name of India”, he said. He added, “The term ‘Dharma’ is not merely confined to religion and is also not translatable to any other language.”
Dr N Vinaya Hegde, Chancellor, Nitte Deemed to be University, regarded as the jewel of coastal Karnataka said, “The language is not important, but the message you convey is important. The topic ‘Bharat’, today and tomorrow, is not about a language but about the state of our country in terms of economy.” He believes that the younger generation must have its own identity. He also believes that every religion deserves respect and loyalty to the country is of utmost importance. “Any person that preaches violence has no place in our country”, he said and also added that peace must not equal weakness.
M.S. Chaitra, ecologist and Director of non-profit organization, Aarohi, elaborated in his address how colonialism has altered our lives forever. He concluded by saying that what India can offer to the world is that everyone can learn. He believes that the 65,000 psychiatrists in India are not needed, but what is needed is the maintenance of institutions that give happiness.
Dr Ravishankar Rao, Professor, dept. of English at Mangalore University was the MC for the event.
The session concluded with the felicitation of Dr M Chidananda and Dr Chandrashekhara Kambara.