Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Sep 12: Journalist Gauri Lankesh on Sunday September 11 inaugurated the ‘Chintana Manthana’ programme of ‘Bahumukhi Bharat’ (multifaceted India). The programme was organized by Ratha Bidi Friends, here in collaboration with Karnataka Sahitya Academy, Bengaluru at Ravindra Kala mantapa, MGM college.
Gauri Lankesh on addressing the programme said, "India is jeopardized. Those in power do not know the importance of multi-culture, multi-religion, multi-language and they do not want to know either. But a multi-culture religion is important for protecting our democracy. Politics is not about politics alone, but is about social life of the public.
Gauri said, "Modi government has created illusions among the people. Everything is false. People should not place their trust in it. A true government must be power for the powerless. True freedom allows one to oppose wrongs in society."
She continued, "We should use words as weapons to uphold a multi-faceted India. Words are political weapons. A person who opposes multi-culture, will not have true love for the nation and has fictional nationality."
She added, "No one has raised his voice against the murder case of Praveen Poojary, but in the case of Tippu Jayanti who died in the clashes at Madikeri, the scene was different. There was mass opposition."
An eminent Kannada writer and poet, Vaidehi in her presidential address said, "A multi-faceted India is based on language and strength of women. Unfortunately the ratio of females is decreasing constantly. People have converted them to a passive form. Innocence kills; there is no value for one’s own feelings and relationships. People have became narrow minded. We have become actors in daily life," she added.
"Nowadays, journalists are money minded. This is the reason for unrest in society. She condemned the media saying, "Media does not show any interest towards shaping a strong nation. People are moving from multi-face to one-face."
"Parents provide us education which helps bring peace to society," said Vaidehi.
Different writers and rational thinkers presented their thoughts and ideas on Indian women, dalits, minorities and the condition of the poor.
Dr H B Vasu presided over the first session.
Uma Shankar, N A M Ismail, K L Ashok were in the first session. B M Rohini, Suma S, Ranganath Kunatana Kunte presented their views on society and its problems.
Meti Mudiyappa, member of Karnataka Nataka Academy was present. Paniraj addressed the keynote.