For the first time, the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy will be headed by a woman. M. Janaki Brahmavar, 63, a former college lecturer, is the eighth president of the academy since its inception in 1994-95. She was a member of the academy from 1998 to 2001.
Speaking to The Hindu Ms. Janaki said the academy had to be more creative and active to ensure that Tulu is included to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Ms. Janaki said she had to live up to the legacy of her predecessors like B.A. Vivek Rai, Vamana Nandavar, M.K. Seetharama Kulal, Paltady Ramakrishna Achar. Born at Moodukudru in Udupi taluk, she worked as a lecturer at St. Mary Syrian Pre-University College, Brahmavar, before retiring from service in 2008.
Her latest works were two Tulu plays, Amar Baiderl and Tulunada Bollilu, which have been staged by theatre troupes Sumanasa Kodavuru and Karavali Kalavider.
Ms. Janaki has translated the Kannada version of Court Martial play to Tulu.
She has translated Tulu novel Kuduruda Kedage to English which is titled Islet’s screw pine . She has also translated Kuvempu’s work Raktakshi into Tulu.
Ms. Janaki is the recipient of several honours, including Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy honour and Paniyadi Tulu Kadambari Prashasti.
