16/04/2024
Crusaders of Children's literature
‘This is a historical day in Kannada Children's literature world’, remarked renowned writer Prof. Narahalli Balasubramanya. It was an occasion where spotlight shone brightly on the remarkable English Children’s writer, storyteller, motivational speaker and a ‘Man of steel’-that for his past association with SAIL as an employee and for battling an adversity called ‘Cancer’ with undeterred spirit. The event organised by Abhinava, Bengaluru, Makkala Sahityasaktara Balaga Dharwad in collaboration with B.M. Shri Pratishthana, Bengaluru, saw in-depth reviews of Ramendra’s works and presented papers on many themes- Childhood in Indian stories, social and emotional focus in his writing, Childhood in Ramen’s stories and Kannada children’s literature v/s Ramen’s works. Valuable insights were laid by eminent Kannada writers like Anand Patil, Tammanna Beegar, Shivalingappa Handihal and a curator, podcastar like myself. Prof. Byramangala Ramegouda, Chairman of B.M.Shree Pratishtana, Bengaluru graced the occasion and shared some thought-provoking remarks about Childhood in general. Dr. Pattipaka Mohan, as chief guest addressed the gathering with his valuable words. Matturu Subbanna compered the show with his captivating style and held the audience spell-bound. The audience appeared to be captivated by Ramen’s charming demeanor and a brilliant mind as he let them take a deep peek on his writing techniques and life in general.
The aim of the seminar was not only to seek inspiration from Ramen’s writings but also to draw parallels in the current scheme of Kannada Children’s literature, to exchange ideas and for sheer camaraderie as Children’s writers and advocates of Children’s literature. I was thrilled to be in the august company of crusaders of Children’s Literature who are not only making significant contribution bringing out books for children but striving to give children's literature it's due place in the literary world. The seminar seems to have marked new beginnings where Kannada writers and individuals came together collectively to embrace a non-Kannada writer’s work, review and present it in Kannada, English and a little bit of Telugu. Thus, uniting and transcending linguistic differences for purely a cause called ‘Indian Children’s literature’. Although ‘Katha Curator’ is a drop in an ocean, I must admit an opportunity to present a paper and receive fantabulous feedback from stalwarts in the field was indeed exhilarating!
