Five-day arts event opens in Karnataka village

Writers, intellectuals, critics and literature students gathered at Ninasam in Heggodu, Sagar taluk, for Kalegala Sangada Matukate, running from October one to five. The event is a contemporary variant of the Culture Course Ninasam has hosted annually for several decades.

Village transforms into lively cultural hub

The quiet village takes on a festive air as participants ranging from undergraduate students to senior professors and retired professionals move across the Ninasam campus. Local garment makers set up stalls while attendees continue conversations between sessions and performances.

Prominent speakers inaugurate the gathering

Arindam Chakrabarti, visiting professor of Philosophy at Ashoka University, inaugurated the event on Thursday. Guests include political scientist Gopal Guru, retired professor Krishnamurthy Hanur, Manu Devadevan of IIT Mandi, writers Vivek Shanbhag and Guruprasad Kaginele, filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli, and critic M.S. Ashadevi.

Theatre productions open evening programmes

Evening programmes opened on October one with Ninasam's production of Andhayuga, directed by M. Ganesh. On Friday, the Tirugata troupe staged Paduka Kireeti, directed by Manju Kodagu. On Saturday morning, participants praised the performances and nuanced portrayals of Rama, Kaikeyi and Manthara.

Writers discuss what makes new literature

A discussion on Kannada literature and culture, moderated by storyteller Padmanabh Bhat Shevkar, featured Vivek Shanbhag and Guruprasad Kaginele. The conversation turned on what constitutes the new in writing, form or content, and how the past and migration shape a writer's vision.

Shanbhag expresses optimism about young readers

Vivek Shanbhag said he saw no reason for alarm over young people's absorption in Instagram reels. In fact, many youngsters read long-form texts and there has been an increase in demand for long-form writing. I am hopeful about the choices of the youth, he said.

“In fact, many youngsters read long-form texts. There has been an increase in demand for long-form writing. I am hopeful about the choices of the youth.”

Kaginele draws on medical practice for fiction

Guruprasad Kaginele, who practises medicine in the United States, spoke of how his professional life feeds directly into his fiction. Manju Kodagu said he felt fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Ninasam and direct Paduka Kireeti for the troupe.

Festival concludes with music and theatre

Evening programmes are held in the recently renovated Shivarama Karanth Rangamandira, Ninasam's dedicated theatre auditorium. On Sunday, Ank from Mumbai will present Sita Banbas, directed by Atul Tiwari. The festival concludes on Monday with a Hindustani music concert by Siddhartha Belmannu.