Kannada poet Betageri Krishnasharma’s works commemorated

Pic: A file pic of Betageri Krishnasharma; Inauguration of Dr Betageri Krishnasharma's birth anniversary programmeBelagavi: Eminent Kannada poet Betageri Krishnasharma's writings consistently foreground the experiences, sensibilities and struggles of women, reflecting the deep influence of a nurturing maternal environment in his early life, observed senior literary scholar Raghavendra Patil.He was speaking at a symposium held as part of Betageri Krishnasharma Jayanti celebration, jointly organised by the Dr Betageri Krishnasharma Trust and the Mahantesh Nagar Residents' Association Educational Institution at the Mahantesh Nagar Community Hall here on Thursday.Patil noted that Krishnasharma approached both men and women through a humane and egalitarian lens. Describing him as a progressive voice of modern Kannada literature, he said the poet accorded prominence to women's perspectives and reimagined ‘conscience' as an expression of feminine sensitivity rather than a traditionally masculine trait.Senior writer and critic Sarjoo Katkar, president of the Dr RA Bendre National Trust, highlighted Krishnasharma's commitment to human values, stating that his works vividly captured the complexities and realities of social structures.Rudresh Metri, assistant professor of Kannada at Anjuman Degree College, Dharwad, said Krishnasharma's literary contributions spanned multiple dimensions, leaving a lasting imprint without any pursuit of personal recognition. Drawing from his close engagement with rural life, the poet portrayed village women and their struggles with remarkable depth and empathy, he added.Presiding over the programme, Vinaya Vakkund, president of the Dr Betageri Krishnasharma Trust, emphasised the need for the present generation to engage with the deeper meanings embedded in Krishnasharma's works. She said the poet's writings consistently reflect resilience, human dignity and a strong feminine perspective.Joint director of the Kannada and culture department KH Chunnur, principal Nirmala Battal, deputy director of Kannada and culture department and Trust member Vidyavati Bhajantri, Basavaraj Kattimani Trust president Yallappa Himmadi, HB Kolkar, Geetanjali Kurudagi and Ravi Kulkarni were present.