Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Feb 4: The release of literary works authored by late Jayalakshmi Srinivasa Jokatty and Dr Durgappa Y Kotiyavar has brought pride and happiness to the organisation, said Sarita Suresh Nayak, vice-president of Goregaon Karnataka Sangha.
Recalling her association with Jayalakshmi, Sarita Nayak said she had met her during an educational tour but was unaware at the time that she was a poet. “I was impressed by her personality during the trip. She also used to attend the Sangha’s Vicharabharati Nadhahabba programmes. Today, the release of her debut poetry collection at Goregaon Karnataka Sangha is a true honour to her memory,” she said. She added that the release of Dr Durgappa Kotiyavar’s work, Mumbai Kannada Gadya Vahini, has further added to the pride of the organisation.
The book release programme was organised on Saturday evening at the auditorium of Keshav Gore Memorial Trust, Goregaon West, under the aegis of the Granthayana wing of Goregaon Karnataka Sangha. Presiding over the event, Sarita Nayak formally released Jayalakshmi Srinivasa Jokattyavara KavitagalU, published by Sriram Prakashana, Mandya, along with Dr Durgappa Y Kotiyavar’s PhD research work titled Mumbai Kannada Gadya Vahini.
The programme commenced with the lighting of the lamp by the guests. The poetry collection edited by journalist Srinivasa Jokatty was released by social worker and organiser Petemane Prakash Shetty, while Dr Kotiyavar’s research work was released by Dr Eshwar Alevuru. Surendra Kumar Marnad and Surekha Hariprasad Shetty introduced the two books respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, Petemane Prakash Shetty urged Srinivasa Jokatty to continue his literary pursuits without pause, describing him as a sensitive and compassionate writer. He lauded the effort of compiling and publishing the poems written by his late wife Jayalakshmi, calling it a commendable initiative that has helped bring her poetry to the wider public.
Sharing an anecdote, Srinivasa Jokatty said Jayalakshmi used to send her poems to writer Sunanda Prakash Kadame of Hubballi, seeking her feedback. As Sunanda Kadame had preserved those emails for several years without deleting them, it became possible to bring out the poetry collection within just fifteen days, he said.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Durgappa Kotiyavar said Mumbai-based Kannada writers have made invaluable contributions to the history of Kannada literature by portraying the complexities of metropolitan life for readers back home. He noted that his book focuses on research, criticism, columns, essays, sketches, light essays, biographies, autobiographies, travelogues, felicitation volumes and edited works. He also paid tribute to his mentor, Dr G N Upadhya of the Kannada department.
The programme was attended by present and former office-bearers, trustees of Goregaon Karnataka Sangha, and several literary enthusiasts. Granthayana members Shobha Divakar and Chandrakala Shimpi rendered the invocation, while Granthayana director Shaila S Nayak delivered the introductory remarks. Honorary general secretary Shanta N Shetty spoke about the Sangha. Theatre director Sa Daya (Dayanand) compered the event, and Granthayana convenor Yashoda R Shetty proposed the vote of thanks.