Madikeri (Kodagu district):
Picturesque locale, biting cold, wine and books. It seems like perfect jamboree for literature lovers. The Scotland of India is all set to host the 80th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, the annual literary festival, from Tuesday amid apprehension of possible traffic chaos and shortage of accommodation.
The hill town of Madikeri, about 250 km from Bangalore, will witness a mega literary event as authors and critics discuss the challenges before Kannada language and its culture at the three-day meet.
The backdrop of Madikeri Fort built in 1861 and Raja’s seat, a spot from where the kings watched the sunsets with their consorts, provide the perfect setting for writers to exchange views about region, politics and various facets of writing. Organizers are bracing for last-minute entries and trying to ensure nothing goes amiss.
This is the third literary festival being held in the district since 1915 – the previous two were held in 1981 (presided over by DV Gundappa) and 1932 (Shamba Joshi).
8,000 delegates to attend:
Over 8,000 delegates have converged to participate in the festival that will open with a keynote address by sammelana president Norbert Dsouza, a senior writer from Shimoga. It will be inaugurated by chief minister Siddaramaiah on the dais named after litterateur Bharatisuta.
Seers Siddharama Swami of Naganur Rudrakshi mutt, Belgaum, and Shantamallikarjuna Swami of Arameri Kalancheri mutt, Virajpet will provide the spiritual touch.
A band of ministers and elected representatives will participate at the event lending credence to some views that the sammelana has, of late, become a platform for politicians.
Union petroleum minister Veerappa Moily, who has penned many a literary piece, will be the special guest to release the souvenir and open seminars on language, literature and other issues.
The meet promises to be different. “Kodagu literature festival may change the way lit fests are organized as the place is known for its hospitality and culture,” said reception committee head and Kodagu district in-charge & PWD minister H C Mahadevappa.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bangalore> Literature / by Manu Aiyappa & G. Rajendra, TNN / January 07th, 2014
