Literature enthusiasts in Bengaluru have a reason to rejoice as the Book Brahma Literature Festival 2024 ‘Soul of South’ kicked off on Friday, August 9. This three-day event promises to be a unique experience, blending poetry, storytelling, art, and music to celebrate the rich tapestry of South Indian languages and literature.
The festival, which is the first of its kind dedicated to South Indian languages, aims to delve into the past, present, and future trends of these languages through detailed discussions and interactive sessions. Festival director Satish Chapparike expressed his vision of creating a vibrant platform for people to come together, converse, and bond over their shared love for literature.
The inaugural session, Tenkana Nudi Kaudi, set the tone for the festival by exploring the diversity within South Indian languages and highlighting the common threads that tie them together. Renowned Malayalam poet K Satchidanandan emphasized the importance of acknowledging the shared roots of South Indian languages, while also advocating for the inclusion of lesser-known tribal languages in such literary festivals.
Kannada poet H S Shivaprakash echoed these sentiments, pointing out the rich poetic history that each language in the region possesses, despite their differences. Bilingual writer and critic B Jeyamohan shared his unique perspective on the multilingual experience in South India, emphasizing the cultural unity that exists among the diverse linguistic communities.
Novelist Vivek Shanbhag shed light on the challenges posed by globalization and technology in the realm of literature, noting how these factors have reshaped the relationship between life and art. He emphasized the need for writers to confront these challenges and engage in meaningful discourse on politics and philosophy.
Telugu poet Volga highlighted the importance of building bridges between languages, particularly in the context of inter-language translations. She called for greater efforts to encourage and facilitate translations across South Indian languages, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the region’s literary heritage.
As the festival continues until August 11, attendees can look forward to more engaging discussions, performances, and interactions that celebrate the diverse and vibrant literary landscape of South India. The Book Brahma Literature Festival 2024 is not just a gathering of literary minds but a celebration of the shared cultural heritage that unites the people of the region.