‘Chennanna Walikar’s works reflect people’s resistance to inequalities and injustice’

Gulbarga University hosts seminar on the life and works of one of the key writers of the Bandaya literature movement

Head of the Kannada Department, Gulbarga University, H.T. Pote has said that insult, discrimination and exploitation made Chennanna Walikar a rebellious writer who firmly advocated the rights of marginalised communities until his last breath.

“Walikar faced insult and discrimination in his childhood because of his social background. His childhood sorrows and sufferings strengthened him and gave him the courage to fight injustice. His resistance to injustice gave him a broader outlook on social change,” Prof. Pote said addressing a seminar in Gulbarga University on Tuesday.

“Walikar stood by the oppressed communities, both in words and deeds, until his death. His works reflect people’s resistance to inequalities and injustice,” Prof. Pote said.

The event was organised by the Kannada Department of the university and Chennanna Walikar Literary and Cultural Trust as part of the fourth death anniversary of the late writer.

Writer Babu Bandarigal, who inaugurated the event, recalled how Walikar and Jambanna Amarachintha worked to spread B.R. Ambedkar’s thoughts and gradually emerged as key figures in the Bandaya (rebellion) literature movement in the State.

“Walikar and Amarachintha emerged as frontline leaders of the Bandaya literary movement in the Kalyana Karnataka region. Both writers were greatly influenced by Ambedkar thoughts. They were actively involved in the Dalit movement. Their writings enlightened the young generation and inspired them to be part of the ongoing social movements,” Mr. Bandarigal said.

Writer Swamirao Kulkarni, who presided over the event, said that he was influenced by Chennanna Walikar during his student days.

“Walikar was a lecturer in LVD College in 1971. I took Kannada as an optional subject as guided by Walikar. Under his guidance, I completed my Ph.D. I was greatly influenced and inspired by Walikar’s progressive and revolutionary thoughts. Walikar fought for the rights of the poor, downtrodden and disadvantaged communities through his writings,” Mr. Kulkarni said.

Siddarama Honkal shared his personal experiences with Walikar.

Shreeshaila Nagaral presented his views on Walikar’s research works.

Shailaja Bagewadi presented a paper on Walikar’s poetry.

M.B. Katti spoke on Walikar’s prose.

S.P. Sullad presided over the poetry recitation session.

Walikar’s wife Siddamma Walikar was present.

Published - December 17, 2024 08:08 pm IST