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Puttur: 'I have Enough Knowledge, Background to Write on Conversions'

  •   Mon, Nov 03 2008 10:21:46 AM

Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Nov 3: Noted Kannada novelist S L Bhyrappa, controversy about an article on religious conversions written by whom in a Kannada daily refuses to die down, asserted here on Sunday November 2 that he has the requisite experience, material, knowledge and capacity to write about religious conversions.

Speaking at a programme of interaction with people organized here under the aegis of Bharat Vikasa Parishat, Karnataka Sangha, Kannada Sangha of Vivekanand College and the taluk Chutuku Sahitya Parishat, he said, that being a writer, he does not want to support or degrade any particular principle or faith through his writings. "I have conducted comparative studies about different religions and the way they are being propagated. Being a novelist, I have acquired enough materials and knowledge to write about religions and many other subjects. Just because I am a novelist, am I deprived of my right to speak or express views about religious conversions?" he questioned.

"In a few of my novels, I have questioned and attacked Hindu mythology while some aspects of the mythology have become the subject matter of a few of my novels like 'Sakshi'. Each novel needs to be analyzed in the light of the background and the circumstances under which they are written and comparing them is not justified. As far as I am concerned, I yearn for finding out the truth about subjects my novels deal with. Now-a-days, people are indulging more and more in criticizing everything they do not agree with and finding out faults from their own angle," he analyzed.

Earlier, felicitating Bhyrappa and delivering benedictory address, Sri Vidyaprasannateerta Swamiji of Subrahmanya math lamented the fact  that the prestigious Jnan Pith award has eluded writer S L Bhyrappa, in spite of his ideal personality and the rich, resourceful literature he has created so far. He appreciated Bhyrappa for his capacity to depict incidents in an interesting manner and his ability to kindle an interest among the readers to read on his novels.

Karnataka Sangha president and advocate B Purandar Bhat presided over the programme.

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Comment on this article

  • Kiran, Manipal/USA

    Tue, Nov 04 2008

    First, I have to admit I did not read the article in question and all I know is from reading the earlier article on Daijiworld (http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=52448). The article states that "The article dwells largely on conversion, which he claims as one of the major problems of the society for centuries together. He has presented certain facts and figures to support his argument." Not having read the article in question, I do not know if it talks about forced, cajoled, coaxed, enticed, obligatory, or willful conversions or any other types of conversions that may or may not exist and that too, over centuries.

    When somebody is making an argument citing "facts and figures", I believe that free speech in our country provides the freedom to make such an argument. If that was not the case minorities would not have a voice in any democracy. I fail to understand how it becomes a problem to talk about the resentments created by any type of conversions or how the delicate threads of the fabric of any society would be strained or broken by the realignment of any strand(s) or why is it a problem to study what exactly happens after conversions take place over a period of time - the long term effects of conversion.

    We study long term effects on a person even when a life saving donated organ is infused. I think exploratory articles which research into long term effects of the suppressed resentment or bottled up anger as seen in central Africa and elsewhere can help keep us better informed and make wise decisions in keeping the peace of our region and countries. In fact, I remember reading an article in Daijiworld in September (10th I think) titled "Hinduism and Conversion"  http://www.daijiworld.com/chan/exclusive_arch.asp?ex_id=956 which gave us some more information on this subject.

    I think free speech, especially when supplemented with facts and figures are important to maintain the actual freedom in a democracy. My similar comment was not published on Oct 18th/19th and I sincerely hope you will not suppress my comment and let me express my opinion.

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  • Manohar Dsouza, Mangalore/Bahrain

    Mon, Nov 03 2008

    Bhyrappa does not appear to know the difference between facts & fiction. He should visit Khandmal in Orrisa to get first hand materials on forced violent conversions

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  • Stan Rodrigues , Farla/Italy

    Mon, Nov 03 2008

    I do agree with Mr. Byrappa who claims that he has “enough knowledge, background to write about conversions”!But which conversions is he talking about? If he is speaking about the knowledge and background he has about people converting to Christianity then he is absolutely wrong!!

    In his recent article he has quote the French writer Francois Gauiter who himself is an anti Christin. And all the accusations that he has leveled against Christians is baseless and unfounded. It is a blessing that they did not consider him for Jnan Pith!!

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  • Pastor E. W. Frank, Udupi/Udupi

    Mon, Nov 03 2008

    Mr. Byrappa: I agree that you are an experienced novelist. But about religious conversion you lack knowledge. Propagation of religion and religious conversion are our constitutional rights. This is the individual freedom and no body should stand against it.

    No person can force a religion or religious conversion on any individuals. As Mr. Sangliana challenged, if any one show one forceful conversion to Christianity he will give Rs.15 lakhs. Christians are the most loyal citizens of India, and contributed a lot for the devlopment of our nation, through education, dress, haircut, social welfare, Ashrams for old, young and neglected ones. Christian Missionaries have contributed their might to the suffering people of India without descriminating religion.

    Christianity is a religion of giving. Anyone will agree who are true to their concience. Pastor E. W. Frank

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  • Abdul Lathif, Mangalore

    Mon, Nov 03 2008

    Mr. Bhyrappa having "enough knowledge, background to write about conversions" is like having enough knowledge about pregnancy and childbirth. If you have not experienced it you cannot write about it. The people who are converting are disillusioned by their present religion and are seeking a better religion which gives offers them more.

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Title: Puttur: 'I have Enough Knowledge, Background to Write on Conversions'



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