Revolution can resurrect political standards, says literature festival president Doddarange Gowda

HAVERI: Doddarange Gowda, president of the 86th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, expressed regret over the falling democratic standards and a corrupt political system, and said only a mass social revolution can resurrect things. "This situation is prevailing not just in India but across the world," he added.
In an interaction with eight writers, he said democratic powers now lie in the hands of wealthy individuals who have little concern for the common man."The language in the legislature is at an all-time low; corruption is at its peak and citizens' problems get the least attention," Gowda rued. "It is extremely difficult to find committed politicians like S Nijalingappa, Virendra Patil, and Kadidal Manjappa."
He also lamented that legislative council and Rajya Sabha seats, reserved for writers, journalists, and artists, are now being filled with politicians.
Bhyrappa & Venkatesh Prasad skip event
The absence of celebrity speakers like veteran novelist SL Bhyrappa and former international cricketer Venkatesh Prasad disappointed their fans at the sammelana on Saturday. They were supposed to deliver lectures in a special session titled 'Bharata Jananiya Tanu Jaate' on the main stage of the event. Thousands had come to listen to them. Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Mahesh Joshi said Bhyrappa did not make it because of health reasons.
Over 100 NRKs attend fest
About 100 non-resident Kannadigas (NRKs) are participating in the three-day sammelana this time.
The Kannada Sahitya Parishat had invited more than 175 NRKs, of which about 100 have arrived, according to the organisers.
Kannadati Bhagirathi and Ravindra Kulkarni, who are in Haveri along with Nandini Narayan from Germany, said they are excited to participate in the annual extravaganza. Besides, there are many others from the United Kingdom, Russia, France, Dubai, and elsewhere.
"I've been living in Germany for the past several years. I've come here for the first time and it has been a good experience for me," Ravindra Kulkarni said, adding that they have been organising Kannada events in Germany and have celebrated Karnataka Rajyotsava as well there.
Kannadati Bhagirathi, a resident of the UAE, said: "I've worked for Kannada and Kannadigas for many years in different countries but never had a chance to take part in the Sahitya Sammelana. The show has motivated me to work harder for my mother tongue."