Novels by youngsters are tackling social issues, says veteran writer

Book reading and discussion at BVV Sangh Basaveshwara College of Commerce on socially responsible writing by young authors.

A book reading and discussion with the writer was organised at BVV Sangh Basaveshwara College of Commerce in Bagalkot on Saturday. Readers and critics participated in a reading of “Odalugondavaru”, written by Rajashekar Halemane.

Veteran writer Balasaheb Lokapur said that he has now noticed a trend where works by young writers are raising discussions about social issues.

“On the one hand we seem to have become so numb that we are no longer responding to happenings around us in the world. But on the other hand novels and other works by young men and women are leading to heated discussions on various social issues. There seems to be a resurgence of such socially responsible writing. That is a welcome trend,” he said.

“U.S. President Donald Trump speaks openly against diversity, equity and inclusiveness and we keep quiet. He targets transgender people and we act as if it does not affect us. In India, there are rapes and atrocities on Dalits and we turn a blind eye to them,” he claimed.

“The atmosphere around is filled with fear. In such a polluted atmosphere, words fail and fights ensue. We seem to be in times of chaos and crisis,” he claimed and said that “in such times, it is commendable that discussions about society are being held through novels. Now is the era of novels. Novelists should stay calm and speak through their works.”

Novelist Rajashekar Halemane said that writing is to him an act of sacrifice. “I tend to sacrifice several momentary pleasures while writing. I dream of an equal society and try to realise these dreams through my works. This novel emerged with the dream of whether all these fragmentations can be dissolved and a new type of social structure be formed. My writings have emerged with the aim of building a new society,” Prof. Halemane said.

Vijayakumar Katagihallimath said that Halemane’s novel tries to unite minds and hearts in rural India.