Mysuru: Sammelana bats for oppressed classes

Mysuru: The  83rd Akhila Bharatha Kannada Sahithya Sammelana focused on issues concerning neglected and oppressed classes, including sex workers, the physically challenged, members of tribal communities, children literature, social justice, even disputes over sharing water of the Cauvery and the Mahadayi, in different sessions on the second day, on Saturday.   

Expressing concern over the delay in implementation of Dr Jayamala committee report on sex workers, Dr Meenakshi Baali said: “The government which showed the good will to form such a committee must also have the same will to implement it. And it should bring in prevention, rehabilitation and protection of sexual workers Act. About 78 percent of sex workers are Hindus, so will our leaders discuss this issue in their conventions? what does getting adjusted to someone to survive in politics mean, unless they are strong women?” she queried. 

Specially abled Dr G K Mahanthesh sought disabled friendly society and urged all literature books be made available in Braille format. 

Dr Balagurumurthy highlighted the plight of wanderers and how they find it difficult to get caste certificates to receive benefits of government schemes. “It is unfortunate they are being used as vote bank”, he rued.  

At a session on irrigation, Captain Raja Rao said the order related to Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed in the Supreme Court against the order of the Cauvery water dispute tribunal said is likely to come in February and with that water management board is sure to come into effect. The state government must propound for reuse of treated water, get environment clearance for Mekedaatu project and it must be implemented soon within a stipulated time. He urged farmers to adopt technologies for minimal use of water. Mr N H Konareddy urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and solve the Mahadayi water dispute. 

Prof K S Puttannaiah urged the government to incorporate water in priority sector. 

At a session related to child literature, Pa Gu Siddapura urged for exposure of creative literature among children. At a session on social justice, Dr C H Dwarakanath said freedom of expression should not take the form of movement to respond to current happenings, and litterateurs must remain patient. 

Later, the executive committee of Kannada Sahithya Parishat which met in the presence of Prof Champa decided to hold 84th Kannada Sahithya Sammelana in Dharwad.