Writer and former Chairman of the Central Sahitya Akademi U.R. Ananthamurthy has said that the akademi has been doing a commendable job in terms of development of regional languages by decentralising some of its activities and associating itself with public and private literary bodies.
He was speaking after releasing “'Pampadyayana”, a book edited by writer K.E. Radhakrishna and published by Sapna Book House, here on Saturday.
The book is a compilation of articles presented at a seminar organised by BNES College and the akademi on Pampa in October last.
On the activities of the akademi for the development of regional languages and literature, Dr. Ananthamurthy said that he was happy that it had been continuing the tradition of involving public and private literary bodies for the cause. He congratulated akademi secretary Agrahara Krishnamurthy in this regard.
Venture
Recalling the akademi's venture to bring Pakistan's good short stories in its major languages in one volume, he said that many critics felt such a venture would not be a reality.
Though Pakistan might find it difficult to bring out such work, the akademi successfully did it. The book was now said to have gained textbook status in that country, he added.
Stating that the Ramayana and the Mahabharata were more relevant today, the former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said that politicians should realise the importance of such great works and learn from history.
Commenting on the social and political situation, he said that it was unfortunate that people were disassociating themselves from important public issues.
This attitude should be contained in the larger interests of society and for development of value-based public life.
Managing Director of Sapna Book House Nitin Shah welcomed the gathering. Writers G.V. Venkatasubbaiah, L.S. Sheshagiri Rao, Prof. Radhakrishna and Mr. Agrahara Krishnamurthy spoke.
