Women writers must raise voice to curb plight of minorities

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Mar 19, 2015:  Famous feminist and writer Popuri Lalitha Kumari, known by her pen name Volga,  in her keynote address at the Multi-linguistic women writers conference organised by Mangalore University Women’s study centre in association with Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy, Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy and Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy in Mangala Auditorium, Mangalagangothri on March 17, Tuesday; said  Women writers are generally decorous and  modest,  it is difficult for them to speak or write their candid views on rape and sex attacks and the like. But, a time is at hand that inhibitions have no place, they have to speak out and raise their voices against atrocities on women

 

Volga added that a need to write about the plight of minority and dalit women was high. They must be better aware of the powers that oppress the powerless. Silence by women writers is a cause for worry and spells danger.   Writers have to think and take part in just actions. They should be on the side of powerless rather than powerful.  In the cruel world, definition of freedom is diluted. Rights of writers have been curtailed, even to the extent that  they are thrown in prison by the powers that be.

Those holding power  dictate what the writers can and can not write. Literary works and films pertaining to women’s issues are curtailed even for centuries. She further said that the Government banned the documentary ’India’s daughter’ only because it wanted to project a distorted picture to the world.

Gulbarga University former Vice Chancellor Prof Muniyamma inaugurated the conference and said that women poetesses like Akkamahadevi made thier own mark in Vachana literature of 12 th century in Karnataka.   Also, women writers like Tirumalamba in Telugu, Anitha Naiar in Malayalam and Savithabai Jyothi Rao Phule in Marathi took long and tedious paths to establish the role of women in literature. Stating that though poetess Kanthi, who was the contemporary of Kannada poet Pampa, penned literature in Champu style, they are rarely known.  Prof Muniyamma saw a need to record the achievements of such women. Also, there should be more writings of women in political and social life such as Lakshmamanni of Mysuru Royal family, who contributed great deal towards the progress of Mysuru.    Prof Muniyamma called upon women writers to come out with rich credible literature, which should make an impact for the coming times.

Mangalore University Vice Chancellor Prof K Byrappa presided over the inaugural programme. Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy Chairperson Janaki M Brahmavar, Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy B M Hanif, Mangalore University Women’s Study Centre Director Prof Sabiha were present among others. The two day work shop is said to be useful and a big success.