Literature Shapes Society, Say Speakers at 8th Mangaluru Lit Fest

Literature Shapes Society, Say Speakers at 8th Mangaluru Lit Fest

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 11, 2026: Literature plays a crucial role in shaping society and fostering intellectual growth, Mythic Society Honorary Secretary S. Ravi said on January 10 while inaugurating the 8th edition of the Mangaluru Lit Fest, organised by the Bharat Foundation.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Ravi said reading and reflection enable intellectual growth and that literary festivals are vital platforms for nurturing critical thinking and creativity among the youth.

Shatavadhani R. Ganesh said universities and teachers must ensure that languages are not sidelined in academic curricula. He observed that teaching summaries of literary works instead of in-depth analysis weakens true understanding. Deep study, he said, helps imbibe values and enrich language, noting that values emerge from self-understanding and express what mere facts cannot.

The festival was inaugurated with the ceremonial pulling of the ‘Saraswathi Ratha’. Historian and writer Meenakshi Jain and Bharat Foundation trustee Brijesh Chowta were present. Tributes were paid to noted writer S.L. Bhyrappa and educationist Nitte Vinaya Hegde, who passed away recently.

At the inaugural session, Ajakkala Girish Bhat and Shatavadhani R. Ganesh held a dialogue on “Exploring Values Through Literature”. Mr. Ganesh said values in Indian civilisation are reflected across all art forms and are conveyed in literature through dhwani (suggestion) and rasa (essence), adding that sensitivity cannot be developed through intellect alone but requires emotional engagement.

Meenakshi Jain Receives Mangaluru Lit Fest Award

Historian Meenakshi Jain was conferred the 8th Mangaluru Lit Fest Award. Speaking at a session titled “Reconnecting with Our Civilisational Heritage” in dialogue with Prithvi Karinje, she said Kashi finds mention in the Upanishads and that its history predates the 12th century.

Responding to questions on Kashi and Mathura, Ms. Jain said history is etched on the walls of Kashi’s temples and noted that discussions on such issues were earlier discouraged. She said several civilisations had vanished over time, but India’s civilisation survived due to the faith and perseverance of the common people, who preserved beliefs and practices despite repeated invasions.