The pro-people approach and writings of G. S. Shivarudrappa who died on Monday were remembered at a condolence meeting organised by Samudaya Mangalore.
Speakers said the writer stood behind the pro-people movement like a “backbone” and supported and encouraged those fighting issues that affected the common people. General secretary of State Committee, Samudaya Bangalore, T. Surendra Rao appreciated the writer for the firm stand he took against superstitious practices.
He was awarded the title of Rashtrakavi by the Government of Karnataka in 2006.
Supporter of workers He was always supportive of the working class.
State vice-president of Janavadi Mahila Sanghatane K.S. Vimala recalled how the poet responded to the way his verses were used on a calendar brought out by activists. “My poems can be used in this fashion too?” he wondered.
His writings, particularly the ones written perhaps against terrorism, were relevant particularly for coastal region facing serious issues of communalism, said Ms. Vimala.
Secretary of Samudaya Mangalore Vasudeva Ucchila said Mr. Shivarudrappa had played a key role in inspiring a literary body at a time when progressive writing had reached its nadir.
He acted as a guide to bandaya (rebel) literature, he said. Remembering him as a great scholar of Kannada and English,
Mr. Ucchila said his presence was helpful to Dalit poets like Siddalingaiah. Some of the seminars he conducted had resulted in resourceful documents on serious issues being created.
The contributions of Mr. Shivarudrappa were highlighted at a programme organised by the president of Dakshina Kannada Sahitya Parishat.
