Mangaluru: SL Bhyrappa inaugurates 7th edition of the Mangaluru Lit Fest

Team Udayavani, Jan 11, 2025, 2:55 PM IST

Mangaluru: Renowned author and Saraswati Samman awardee, S.L. Bhyrappa, praised the people of undivided Dakshina Kannada for their organized approach in every endeavor. This quality, he noted, has made the region a national model in the fields of education and healthcare.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 7th edition of the Mangaluru Lit Fest held at TMA Pai Convention Centre on Saturday, Bhyrappa highlighted the region’s contributions.

“This land of Kannada has produced eminent personalities like Kota Shivaram Karanth, Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai, Panje Mangesh Rao, Sediyaapu Krishna Bhat, and Vyasaraya Ballal, as well as numerous renowned doctors and educators,” he said.

Bhyrappa emphasized the importance of ensuring that the discussions and ideas presented at such literary festivals reach the intended audience. “While organizing thought-provoking discussions with notable figures from across the country is commendable, it is essential to assess whether these deliberations are reaching the people and creating the desired impact. Without this assurance, such events risk becoming routine annual programs,” he remarked.

He stressed the need for innovation and relevance in such gatherings. “If an event becomes mechanical, it fails to foster new ideas, leaving no significant contribution to society. The responsibility of preserving novelty in each edition of the literary festival lies with the organizers,” Bhyrappa advised.

Reflecting on his participation, he shared an anecdote: “When I was invited to the Mangaluru Lit Fest, the organizers suggested that I prepare a written speech to stay focused. Hence, I have brought my speech in writing and will read it out today.”

The literary festival continues to bring together distinguished personalities and serves as a platform for intellectual exchange