Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (KM/RD)
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Mangalore, Feb 21: The number of readers is drastically dwindling these days as people are increasingly addicted to television, lamented Judith Mascarenhas, former deputy mayor.  

She was addressing the gathering at the releasing ceremony of 36th issue of ‘Samvedana’, an international bulletin, published by Chetana Literary Group and edited by Dr V S Skanda Prasad, held at Hotel Woodland on Wednesday February 20.

The happiness achieved by reading poetry surpasses all forms of joy and raises one's spirit to greater heights. One should read poetry to experience unmatchable enjoyment, Mascarenhas advised.

The present era is driven by materialism, she said. The 'whole world is after materialistic pleasure' and moreover the world is not in the state of realizing the joy imparted by reading poems, Mascarenhas opined.

K Rama Murthy, general manager of Corporation Bank released ‘Samvedana’ and addressed the gathering. M S Venkataramaiah, editor of ‘Bizz-Buzz’, Mysore presided over the ceremony. Dr V S Skanda Prasad welcomed the gathering and introduced the chief guest.

Padma Shenoy, prolific writer in Kannada, V U George, editor of Mangalore Today monthly magazine and Leelavati S Vaidya were present on the occasion.