Hampana releases ’Modala Mettilu’ new book of Prof B A Viveka Rai

Hampana releases ’Modala Mettilu’ new book of Prof B A Viveka Rai

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 15, 2017: It was an emotional occasion when writer Hampa Nagarajaiah (Hampana) on Sankranthi, Jan 14, Saturday asserted that Kannada literature should transcend boundaries as people in different nations too look for the best of literary works. He spoke after releasing ’Modala Mettilu,’ a collection of articles that includes prefaces and opinions written by former vice-chancellor of Hampi Kannada University Prof B A Viveka Rai and published by Akruthi Ashaya Publications.

Hampana said at international level plenums he went to, there was a similar demand from the literary lovers to access Kannada literary works. Most of the other language worksare accessible here. But it is not on the expected lines in the case of Kannada literature, he observed. "It is not just the duty of those associated with literature. This duty as Prof Viveka Rai has shown is also the duty of many like him," Hampana said.

About the contribution of Rai to literature, he said, "Though Rai wrote selectively, the quality is very high, that is essential for the growth of literature."  Hampana, who applauded Rai for his profound contribution to folklore, drew parallel with late De Javare Gowda who had enormously contributed to folklore.

Earlier addressing the huge gathering and dwelling on his future plans, Rai said, "I am  collecting matter on Aadikavi Pampa aiming for a detailed work on the literature of the by gone era, followed by another on Yehudi culture, as a man from the same tribe had migrated to Mangaluru in 14th century, married and lived here for 17 years. Now, most of the Yehudis (Jews) are found in Cochin in the neighbouring Kerala, where I came across two books on Yehudis."

However, Rai who was unsure about when his future projects will see the light of the day, owed it to his busy schedule, ever since, in the 70s he started his career.