Multi-lingual writers have made significant contribution to Kannada, says writer-critic

The contribution of multi-lingual writers to Kannada is very significant. They introduce the cultures of both language speakers to each other. They also bring the essence of one language into the other by translation, interpretation and inspired writing, writer and critic Basavaraj Jagajampi said in Belagavi on Sunday.

He was speaking at a felicitation function organised for writer and translator Sarjoo Katkar for winning the Nrupatunga Award instituted by the Kannada Sahitya Parishad and KSRTC.

“Dr. Katkar, son of a Marathi teacher, came to Belagavi from Hubballi to work as a journalist. Along the way, he enriched the Kannada literary tradition,” Dr. Jagajampi said.

“Belagavi has produced many writers. Dr. Katkar is among the consummate literary figure of the city. He has inspired many senior and junior writers,” he said.

Poet M.S. Inchal, who inaugurated the programme, spoke of the diverse literary interests of Dr. Katkar.

Senior writer B.S. Gavimath said that Dr. Katkar has written 80 books and worked on more than 35 selection committees.

Writer and journalist L.S. Shastri recalled the contribution of Dr. Katkar in the fields of literature and journalism. He said that the selection of Dr. Katkar has added significance to the award.

Responding to the honour, Dr. Katkar said that he could not believe it when he heard that he was going to receive the Nrupatunga Award considered the highest award for Kannada literature.

He thanked the people of Belagavi for “giving him everything.”

Senior lawyer S.M. Kulkarni presided over the function. He felicitated Dr. Katkar and Suma Katkar.

Singer Khushi Dawali, Chandrakanth Kusanur Foundation president Ravi Kotargasti, theatre personality Ramakrishna Marathe, R.B. Katti, M.K. Jainapur, Shirish Joshi, P.G. Kempannavar and others were present.

The program was organized under the joint auspices of Chandrakanth Kusanur Foundation, Kannada Sahitya Bhavan Trust and M.K. Publicity.