M’lore: No compromise on upholding moral values – Akbar Ali

By Robert DCosta
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 5 Nov 2013: Shanthi Prakashan strongly believes in reforming the society by literature.  It has published 250 books so far combining religious sphere and human values, that has been its core strength indeed, said Akbar Ali.
Akbar Ali in his presidential address during the seminar on Literature: social reform that was organized as part of silver jubilee celebrations of city-based Shanthi Prakashan, at Town Hall, here on Tuesday November 5.

 
Litterateur and journalist Chidambara Baikampady said, ‘It’s about 3 decades ago; we could find litterateurs who used to vent their anguish on social injustice.  The speeches of those litterateurs were a challenge for reporters to file their reports, because, it was not easy to grasp. Meanwhile, the articles that are published now have no reality and no much discussion on the topic.  If at all any interactions on literature is limited to for and against the literature.  None of them bothered to delve on the topic. It’s irony that those litterateurs who used to vent their anguish are changed and adapted soft stance.  It may be due to globalization and its impact on general behavior,’ said Chidambara Baikampady.

 

 
The change is imminent on this earth.  The wealth, authority and all are not permanent.  The literature has reformed the society in the past.  The literary world that has been dimmed today will exit and vigor will return to literary sphere, Chidambara expressed hope.

 
The litterateur Banu Mustaq said that the social will take place, when the minds are opened to savor the literatures.  The newly-released book on Quran is open for discussion and should not be accepted as it is.  One should be explorative.  Meanwhile, several Muslim authors are expressing their views on Islam in these days.  It would all contribute for Kannada literature.  The different cultures should not cause division instead unite for common brotherhood, said Banu Mustaq. 

 
Bhaskar Rai Kukkuvalli said that it’s possible to reform the society through literature, but to what extent.  If one observes the students how they prepare project work, by googling in no time.   At the changed circumstances, the average time that one could read and digest a topic is getting lesser on each passing day.  If the new generations of readers take time to listen, the change is evident, said Bhaskar Rai.

 
Taltaje Vasant Kumar said that with all probabilities, it’s difficult to say whether literature can change the society.  The literature is enriched with different aspects, that ought to be viewed like that, otherwise if one takes it literally it would lead to conflict, said Vasant Kumar.

 
Abdul Gafoor Kulai welcomed the gathering.  Mubeen Ullal compered the programme.