When visually challenged recite their poems with pride

Visually challenged poets during a session at the 87th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in Mandya on Friday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

One of the highlights of the 87th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana that began in Mandya on Friday was the session of the visually challenged poets.

This is the first time in the sammelana that a platform was provided to the visually challenged poets to share their literary expertise before the audiences. The session was presided over by Shivaraj Shastri Herur.

Poet Mudigere Ramesh Kumar said their life itself is a challenge and poetry is another challenge for them. “In a challenging life, we have engaged in writing. Writing is more important than living. The Kannada Sahitya Parishat has taken a significant step in organising the poets’ meet for the visually challenged. In the days ahead, the works of the visually challenged will become a matter of serious discussion,” he said.

He recalled the contribution of others and said that writer Baragur Ramachandrappa was instrumental in holding a meet of visually challenged poets earlier. Poet late Siddalingaih had got his works published in braille. H. Vishwanath started an endowment prize for the visually challenged writers and poets. Now, parishat president Mahesh Joshi has ensured a “historic” sammelana by organising a session for the visually challenged poets.

Others who recited their poems include Bapu Khade, Harish C., Hemanth Kumar, Jayananda Topugolu, Rama Pani Bhat Gopi, Somashekar Baligara, Shivaswamy Cheenakera, T.M. Totaiah, Krishna Hombala, and Anand Indoora.