Well-known Kannada novelist Na D’Souza was elected on Wednesday as the president of the 80th All India Kannada Sahitya Sammelana to be held in Madikeri next month. His contribution to the Kannada literature as a novelist, story writer and children’s story writer is noteworthy. He became the conscience of Malnad region through his works, and raised various concerns such as the plague, which had been haunting the region, and the submersion threat to villages from dam construction.
Upon being selected as the Sammelana President, D’Souza said: “I am happy. But I don’t feel that I have done a big job. But I am happy because my efforts were recognised. My name was heard in the previous conventions. But in the final stage, others were chosen. But this time, the Parishat has selected me. More than me and my family, my neighbours and people of Sagar are happy. I am grateful for their love and affection. I have received support and love from all and this is another such occasion.”
He said he would focus attention on some of the untold issues which the previous convention presidents had failed to deal with.
He said, “Our government is not a Kannada government. I am disappointed in this regard. If we compare us with Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal or Tamil Nadu, I feel very bad. Our officers working in the Vidhana Soudha are not Kannadigas and they are not ready to leave their love for English. Even the ministers are not serious about this. We should first be Kannadigas. We should give priority to implement Kannada in all walks of life. Unfortunately, Kannada is not there even at home because our parents have more love and affinity for English than Kannada.”
He said people expect more from writers than artistes because literature inspires everyday life and guides it. So, quality literary works should be brought out, he added.
Brief Introduction
Na D’Souza (born in 1937) began his career as a typist in PWD and retired as FDC. His works include 32 novels, (Dweepa, Mulugade, Kadina Benki etc), 20 children’s books, six anthologies of short stories and four historical novels. Kannada films Kadina Benki, Dweepa, Baluvali, Bettadapurada Ditta Makkalu and Antarya are based on this works.
He has received Bala Pursakara from Kendra Sahitya Academi, Gulvadi Venkatarao Sandesh Awards, Niranjana, Alvas Nudisiri, Vardhamana, Karnataka Sahitya Academy award. Kuvempu University has felicitated him with an honorary doctorate.