Mysore :

The biography of noted Kannada writer A.N. Murthy Rao, written by litterateur Dr. Malali Vasanthkumar, titled ‘Akkihebbalu Murthy Rao-Jeevana Charitre’ was released here yesterday, by litterateur Dr. C.P. Krishnakumar (CPK) at a function jointly organised by District Kannada Sahitya Parishat (KSP), DVK Murthy Publications and Karnataka Vichara Vedike at the Institution of Engineers on JLB Road.

Speaking on the occasion, CPK said that Rao’s books were appreciated by people of all generations as he (Rao) was a multifaced personality with subjects varying from divinity to complex Kannada literature.

CPK pointed out that Rao could be equated to great litterateurs like Kuvempu, BMSri, P.T. Narasimhachar (PuTiNa) and Masti Venkatesh Iyengar. He said that the biography written by Dr. Malali Vasanthkumar, who had known Rao from close quarters, throws light on every aspect of Rao’s literature.

Continuing, CPK said that Vasanthkumar had made a list of lapses of Rao and has mentioned the same in the book. When the same was sent to Rao, he had accepted them sportively which indicated his stature, said CPK.

Litterateur Prof. D. Javaregowda (Dejagow) presided. Mandya District Sahitya Sammelana President Prof. K. Bhyravamurthy, Yakshagana Academy member Dr. Kabbinale Vasanth Bharadwaj, writer G.S. Bhat, Publisher G. Dwaraknath, District KSP President M. Chandrashekar and others were present.

Protest

Meanwhile, members of Kannada Nadu Sene and Kannada Sene staged a protest at the book release function venue against CPK and other litterateurs condemning their support for the transfer of NTM School to Ramakrishna Ashram. The Kannada activists also waved black flags and shouted slogans against the group of writers.

CPK clarifies

Intervening, CPK clarified that the government had already sanctioned the NTM School and premises to the Ashram for establishing Swami Vivekananda Memorial. Hence, he again stated that any protest on that subject would be futile. CPK regretted that his statement has been misinterpreted.

He contended that he was not against any Kannada association.

On hearing the news of the protest, Lakshmipuram Police arrived on the scene and brought the situation under control allowing the programme to go on smoothly.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / May 22nd, 2014