Literature plays an important role in shaping society: Mythic Society Secretary

Mythic Society Honorary Secretary S. Ravi on January 10, said literature plays a significant role in shaping society.

Delivering the keynote address at the inauguration of the 8th edition of the Mangaluru Lit Fest, organised by Bharat Foundation, Mr. Ravi said intellectual growth is possible through reading and reflection. Literary fests play a vital role in fostering critical thinking and creativity among the youth, he said.

Shatavadhani R. Ganesh said universities and teachers are responsible for ensuring that languages do not get sidelined. In university curricula, summaries of stories and poems are taught instead of in-depth explanations. He said true understanding comes from deep analysis, enhancing both the values and the language.

Stating that his remarks should not be misunderstood, Mr. Ganesh noted that while summaries of poets like Pampa, D.V.G. and Kuvempu are taught, deep study is lacking. One needs to understand values. Values mean understanding oneself; they express what facts cannot, he said.

The event was inaugurated with the pulling of the ‘Saraswathi Ratha’. Historian and writer Meenakshi Jain and Bharat Foundation trustee Brijesh Chowta were present. Tributes were paid to S.L. Bhyrappa and Nitte Vinaya Hegde, who passed away recently.

Exploring values

At the inaugural session, Ajakkala Girish Bhat and Shatavadhani R. Ganesh engaged in a dialogue on the topic “Exploring Values Through Literature.” Mr. Ganesh stated, “In the collective consciousness of Akhanda Bharat, values are present not only in literature but in all forms of art. Values conveyed through literature reside in the path of Dhwani (suggestion) and Rasa (essence/emotion). Sensitivity cannot be heightened through the intellect alone; it requires emotion (bhava).”