Date:08/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/08/stories/2008110850690500.htm

Karnataka

Seminar on Shishunala Sharif on November 28, 29

Vishwa Kundapura

The seminar will discuss the contribution of mystic poets of Kolar region
It will provide an insight into composition of the tatvapada

KOLAR: A two-day national-level seminar titled “Shishunala Sharif and other mystics: An interface with the present” is being organised in Kolar.

Newly formed Kannada Adhyayana Vedike of Kolar has organised the event as its inaugural programme.

Scheduled to be held at Gokul College on November 28 and 29, Department of Kannada Studies, Post Graduate Centre, Bangalore University, Department of Kannada and Culture, Government College for Boys and Gokul College of Science, Arts and Management Studies have joined hands to make the seminar meaningful.

Although the focus would be on life and teachings of Shishunala Sharif of 19th Century, efforts would be made to throw light on contribution of several other mystics.

Mystic poets

Since Kolar region gave birth to many mystic saints such as Kaivara Narayanappa, Venkatagiriyappa and Ghattahalli Anjanappa, the opportunity would be utilised to reveal more about their contributions to society, H.R. Srinivas, Deputy Commissioner and chief patron of the organising committee, said.

To make the seminar meaningful, it was planned to lay stress on interaction among participants from throughout the country.

Papers were invited from intellectuals and writers from various parts of the country to the seminar.

An expert committee was expected to scrutinise them and select for final presentation in the sessions, K.V. Srinivasmurthy, Reader, PG Centre and president of Kannada Adhyayana Vedike, told The Hindu. OOD facility under University Grants Commission norms was available for university faculty to participate in the seminar.

Relevance

While dealing on the relevance of the subject selected for the event, Mr. Srinivas said the need of the hour was to take a critical look at Shishunala Sharif and other mystics in the context of growing religious fundamentalism, casteism, terrorism and imperialism.

“Surprisingly, the mystics like Sharif have shown us how to overcome conflict and break the walls of isolation so as to rediscover human sensibilities,” he said.

Shishunala Sharif’s (1818 to 1889) life and teachings stood as an epitome to communal harmony.

Born in a Muslim family and educated under a Hindu guru Govinda Bhatta, Sharif contributed immensely to the world of Kannada literature through his tatvapadas (philosophical and ethical poems).

For details about the seminar, interested persons may contact K.V. Srinivasmurthy on ph: 09343878368.