‘Dr. M.M. Kalburgi Nenapu’, a programme organised in memory of researcher M.M. Kalburgi here on Sunday turned emotional with writers, critics, poets, researchers and students from across Karnataka making a vow to continue his legacy.
The event was organised by the Dharwad Sahitya Sambrahma and Annajirao Shirur Ranga Mandir Prathisthana at Srujana Rangamandir.
Literary stalwarts and other speakers remembered the contributions of Prof. Kalburgi and fondly recalled their association with him. The call for setting up a state-of-the-art research centre named after him also received support. Making introductory remarks, critic Giraddi Govindraj said Prof. Kalburgi was instrumental in holding three editions of the Dharwad Sahitya Sambrahma, modelled on the Jaipur Literary Festival, which had received recognition across the country.
‘His best’
Terming Prof. Kalburgi, who started his journey as a poet, as a “bigwig” among a large number of writers, researchers, poets that Dharwad had produced, Prof. Giraddi said that the field of research itself had chosen Prof. Kalburgi and he in turn gave his best to it.
He said that although Prof. Kalburgi’s research on religion won him more brickbats than bouquets, he chose to reply to them through his research.
“However, it is unfortunate that such a towering personality who carved a niche for himself in various fields, was assassinated,” Prof. Giraddi said.
Highlighting the need for setting up a research centre in memory of the slain writer, Prof. Giraddi said that the centre should not only popularise the researcher’s works but also help students continue his legacy. It should also house a mega library including the works of Prof. Kalburgi, he said.
Technical sessions
The introductory session was followed by technical sessions on facets of Prof. Kalburgi’s personality, including his works in various fields.
C. Veeranna spoke on literary research, K.R. Ramkrishna on research on inscriptions, B. Rajshekarappa on research on history and Arvind Malgatti on folklore research.
Subsequently B.V. Shirur gave a talk on Prof. Kalburgi’s research methodology, K. Ravindranath and Veeranna Rajur spoke on editing, V.S. Mali spoke on Prof. Kalburgi’s religious stand and Guruling Kapse and Shamsunder Bidarkundi threw light on Prof. Kalburgi as an administrator.
A documentary on the life and works of the writer was screened too.
