Unveiling the Philosophical Soul of a Literary Titan: Mangaluru Gears Up for an Extraordinary Discourse on U.R. Ananthamurthy
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
MANGALURU — In an intellectual gathering that promises to traverse beyond the celebrated prose of one of India’s greatest modern icons, the Art Kanara Trust and the INTACH Mangaluru Chapter are set to host a profound public talk titled “U.R. Ananthamurthy as a Philosophical Poet (Tattvika Kaviyagi Ananthamurthy)”.
Scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the historic Kodialguthu Center for Art and Culture, Ballalbagh, Mangaluru, the event turns the spotlight toward an intimate yet vastly under-explored facet of a towering literary giant: his poetry.
The Luminaries Behind the Event
1. Prof. (Dr.) U.R. Ananthamurthy (1932–2014): The Icon of Modern Indian Consciousness
Udupi Rajagopalacharya Ananthamurthy was much more than a writer; he was the conscience-keeper of contemporary Indian literature and a principal pioneer of the Navya (modernist) movement in Kannada.
- Global and National Acclaim: Born in Tirthahalli Taluk, Karnataka, Ananthamurthy’s genius earned him India’s highest literary distinction, the Jnanpith Award (1994), followed by the Padma Bhushan (1998). In 2013, he achieved international renown as a finalist for the prestigious Man Booker International Prize.
- Iconic Masterpieces: His provocative debut novel Samskara (1965)—along with other seminal works like Bharathipura, Avasthe, and Mouni—was famously adapted into critically acclaimed parallel cinema, dissecting caste, tradition, hypocrisy, and the agonizing psychological friction of a changing India.
- The “Philosophical Poet”: While celebrated globally for his novels, critical essays, and crusades against dogmatism, Ananthamurthy’s poetic compositions (Ajjana Hegala Sukkugalu, Mithuna, etc.) remain relatively uncharted waters for mainstream literary criticism. This talk seeks to unearth how his verse encapsulates profound metaphysical inquiries and existential wonder.
2. Prof. (Dr.) Varadesh Hiregange: The Scholar and Researcher
Guiding the audience through this philosophical expedition is distinguished writer and researcher Prof. (Dr.) Varadesh Hiregange.
- Academic Journey: Dr. Hiregange spent the first decade of his career as a practicing journalist before seamlessly transitioning into academia.
- Core Research: His doctoral research deep-dived into the intricate philosophies of education, poetics, politics, and culture—themes that closely mirror Ananthamurthy’s lifelong intellectual trajectory.
- Literary Voice: As a prominent voice in cultural studies and regional critique, Dr. Hiregange brings acute analytical depth to Ananthamurthy’s oeuvre, having also contributed significantly to contemporary poetry with collections like Yaava Shabdada Maaye.
Bridging Past Legacies and Present Dialogues
Hosted within the heritage-soaked ambiance of Kodialguthu Mane, this dialogue bridges the gap between Ananthamurthy’s fiery public persona—defined by his fierce defense of democratic pluralism and resistance to fundamentalism—and the tender, meditative interiority captured in his lesser-known poetry.
For literature enthusiasts, scholars, and culture seekers in Coastal Karnataka, this evening promises an extraordinary encounter with the soul of a writer who dared to question everything, yet remained deeply in love with humanity.
Event Quick Facts:
- Topic: U.R. Ananthamurthy as a Philosophical Poet (Tattvika Kaviyagi Ananthamurthy)
- Speaker: Prof. (Dr.) Varadesh Hiregange
- Date & Time: Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 5:30 PM
- Venue: Kodialguthu Center for Art & Culture, G.G. Road, Ballalbagh, Mangaluru
- Organizers: Art Kanara Trust & INTACH Mangaluru Chapter
