Niranjana, a progressive voice who lived poetically: Bilimale

Mangaluru: "Kulkunda Shiva Rao, popularly known as Niranjana, is well-established in the field of progressive literature. Even in his love letters, there was a sense of social commitment, and his stories often focused on women. In his novels, he raised his voice against landlords, authority, and colonialism. Due to his strong analytical thinking, he did not write poetry, but he lived poetically," said Kannada Development Authority chairman Purushottama Bilimale.
Bilimale was speaking at ‘Niranjana 100', a programme organised by the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy. He added that Niranjana authored a total of 82 works. Gandhi, Nehru, and Marxism had a significant influence on him. He (Niranjana) was personally an emotional being. However, it is noteworthy that his entire work raises a voice against landlords, authority, and colonisation. In the genre of progressive literature, Chaduranga and Niranjana have firmly established themselves. Niranjana authored a total of 82 works, including 62 creative ones. He had seven or eight different names, and in the literary world, he shone as ‘Niranjana'. It is ironic that there are no traces of him in his birthplace, Kulkunda, near Subrahmanya, Kadaba Taluk.
He added that Mahatma Gandhi, during his visit to Sullia, also met him.
Tharanath Gatti, chairman of the Tulu Sahitya Academy, presided. The Niranjana 100 programme aims to introduce the life and writings of Niranjana to the new generation of students. Niranjana's literature has been forgotten, and efforts should be made to rediscover and republish it, he added.
The Kannada department and Ranga Adhyayana Kendra of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Coastal Women Writers and Readers Association, and Journey Theatre Group Mangaluru supported the event. Throughout the day, various seminars related to Niranjana's literature were held, including a play ‘Marana Gendinaaye', an adaptation of his novel ‘Mrityunjaya', which was staged by the Sangama Theatre artistes from Manipal.