Karnataka Janasahitya Samavesha, a two-day literary festival, will begin at Karantak Vidhyavardhak Sangha here on Saturday.

The event will discuss the past, present and future of progressive literature in Kannada and explore possibilities of launching a new literary movement to protect its pro-people tradition from commercial elements.

Organising committee member M.D. Okkund said the event was a response to the efforts by corporate interests to intrude into literary field in a bid to reap commercial benefits.

“Kannada literature has a tradition of contributing to the larger social good. However, the great ideals which guided us seem to be eroding in recent times. Of late, some writers are trying to introduce commercial interests in the guise of bringing in a revolution. This led to the reorganisation of progressive writers,” he said.

Session

Marathi writer Lakshman Gaikwad will inaugurate the event. Writers Nagesh Hegde, Banjagere Prakash and S.B. Joguyr will participate in a session on ‘Various dimensions of present day crisis in literary field’ on the first day.

Writers Sarjashankar Haralimath, B. Peer Basha, Veeranna Madivalar, and Anasuya Kambel will talk on ‘Society and my writings’ on the second day. There will be a poetic session and Nagara Mattu Nadi Kanive , a documentary directed by Kesari Haravu, will be screened.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by  Staff  Correspondent / Dharwad, March 23rd, 2013