Mysore :

“May the Dasara festivities continue to bring in unity and harmony among the people,” said renowned litterateur Dr. Chandrashekar Kambar, in an interview with SOM yesterday.

Dr. Kambar, 77, who arrived in city yesterday at 2 pm, inaugurated the Dasara festival atop Chamundi Hill this morning.

Dr. Kambar said that he is penning another novel in Kannada, but refused to divulge its name as yet. Here are the excerpts of the interview:

SOM: How do you feel about inaugurating Naada Habba tomorrow?

Dr. Kambar: I feel honoured. The royal tradition is now being carried forward under a democracy. The Vijayanagar empire’s tradition was revived by the erstwhile rulers of Mysore, the Wadiyars. We must really appreciate the patronage given by them to art, literature, culture and Kannada language.

SOM: The religious festivities of yore are being continued even now… aren’t they?

Dr. Kambar: So, what’s wrong in that? True religion that preaches good things must be accepted. This is not only a religious festival, but encompasses art, culture and literature.

SOM: Can’t Dasara be bifurcated from religion and celebrated as Naada Habba?

Dr. Kambar: Why oppose religion? But too much religion is also not good. Mysore State had given the first people’s representative government. They also introduced the reservation facility which became exemplary for the country. People of different communities have been living in harmony here. There are some Mutts that have Samadhis of Muslims. The Veerashaiva Swamijis of the Mutt wear green cloth and visit the Dargahs for 15 days while the Muslims, wearing saffron, visit the Mutts. Why I am saying this is there should be no individuality.

SOM: Have you seen Dasara before?

Dr. Kambar: I had inaugurated the Dasara cultural programmes once and also inaugurated Dasara Poets’ Meet a few years ago. That apart, I had heard a lot of legends about Dasara, which I liked.

SOM: There is a dissent from some about the achievements of the Wadiyar rulers…

Dr. Kambar: The erstwhile rulers might not have fought wars. But their model of administration, foresight and public services are truly commendable.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / October 05th, 2013