Words Alight

Embarking on a journey through the cascading waters of literary eminence, Bangalore steadfastly maintains its presence in the radiant spotlight. From the literary triumphs of luminaries like Kuvempu to the enduring narratives spun by Sudha Murthy, the city’s narrative resonates with a melody of perseverance.

The burgeoning significance of public libraries, the enchanting tales within the embrace of Cubbon Park, and the grandeur of its very own literary festival contribute to Bangalore’s undeniable imprint on the literary canvas.

Spanning epochs, Bangalore’s wordsmiths have inscribed their eminence, gifting the city with literary treasures that now grace its dignified alleys. In the annals of time, these literary architects have carved out a niche that resonates with excellence.

For aficionados of the written word, Bangalore offers more than just a scenic backdrop. It unfolds as a haven of literary brilliance, an advantage enjoyed by the denizens of the City of Lakes.

Basking in this glory, we present to you a glimpse into the facets that render it the vibrant literary nucleus that it is. Join us on this exploration.

Bangalore boasts a rich array of literary accolades, including the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award, Pampa Award, Nrupatunga Award, and the Daana Chintamani Attimabbe Award. These prestigious honours resonate harmoniously within the city’s expansive literary community.

Foremost among them is the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award, instituted in 1983, honouring distinguished Kannada writers annually. Similarly, the Pampa Award, established in 1987, stands as Karnataka’s premier literary recognition for outstanding contributions to Kannada literature.

Named in homage to King Nrupatunga Amoghavarsha I, the Nrupatunga Award celebrates excellence in Kannada literature. Adding a unique dimension, the Daana Chintamani Attimabbe Award, initiated in 1995, exclusively honours exemplary works by women writers in the Kannada language. These awards collectively affirm Bangalore’s thriving literary legacy.

Bangalore proudly distinguishes itself in the literary landscape with the “Atta Galatta – Bangalore Literature Festival,” a humble tribute to esteemed writers who have profoundly impacted the literary realm. Spearheading its 12th edition on December 2-3, the iconic Atta Galatta bookstore and cultural hub strive to illuminate artists’ illustrious journeys.

In another noteworthy endeavour, the Green Literature Festival, held amidst the verdant embrace of Cubbon Park on November 25, celebrated the essence of green literature and sustainable practices. Providing a platform for over 15 authors and eco-enthusiasts across the city, the festival championed environmental literature.

The recently concluded Comic Con in the city served as a cosmic paradise for comic book enthusiasts, rolling out the red carpet for a myriad of artists and fans. Additionally, the distinctive Neev Literature Festival curated a special soiree dedicated to children’s literature, resonating with stories that echo Indian narratives.

In the vibrant literary tapestry of Bangalore, each chapter is woven with literary pride. Bangalore’s wordsmiths have inscribed eminence across epochs, endowing the city with literary treasures that grace its dignified alleys.

Beyond a scenic backdrop, the city emerges as a haven of literary brilliance, a unique advantage for its denizens. From prestigious awards affirming its literary legacy to iconic literary festivals fostering prose love, Bangalore stands as a beacon in the literary world—an ever-evolving symphony of words, imagination, and cultural richness.

A must-read manual:

“The Promise of the Metropolis: Bangalore’s Twentieth Century” by Janaki Nair: Bound to make you travel through the deep folds of the city, Nair’s book is a compilation of insightful essays that unravel Bangalore’s modernization through the years.

“Nature in the City” Harini Nagendra: Unfolding the sublime tapestry of the city, this book is a dedication to Bangalore’s past, present and future, besides a gentle nudge to the need for preserving the nature the city rests within.

“Multiple City” by Aditi De: De’s book is an ode to the historical era deep-rooted on Bangalore soil. The author puts forth a detailed account of Bangalore’s establishment in 1537 to the city’s spirits present-date.

“Weird Tales of a Bangalorean” Jayaprakash Satyamurthy: Interestingly, Satyamurthy’s book is a collection of eerie tales which stem from the shifting thresholds of the city. Horror lovers must explore this vivid account of Bangalore’s narratives.

“Bangalore: A Graphic Novel” Jai Undurti: Surmising personal chronicles are 18 artists who present Bangalore through stories and graphics that present undulating anecdotes for readers to relate.

“Bangalore Calling” Brinda S Narayan: Explore the trenches of global capitalism through call centre workers in the city. A nuanced and gripping outlook to the city awaits readers.

Bangalore’s Page-Turner Prestige

Cubbon Park’s Reading Oasis: Avid readers find sanctuary in Cubbon Park, where “Cubbon reads” originated, blossoming into a global trend in over 70 countries.

Kuvempu’s Literary Legacy: Celebrating Kannada poet Kuvempu, Rationalism Day on December 2 marks his birth, honouring his profound contributions to literature.

Bangalore’s Reading Prowess: Amazon India ranks Bangalore above Delhi and Mumbai in fostering a robust reading culture, reflecting the city’s literary prominence.

Revamping Libraries: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah allocates a significant ₹10 crore to enhance public libraries, providing a transformative boost to the state’s reading experience.

Jnanpith Award Dominance: Karnataka boasts 8 Jnanpith Awards, the highest for any Indian state, underscoring its literary eminence. Additionally, Kannada is the second language, after Hindi, with the most awards.

Ode to wordsmiths

Venkatesh Trivikrambhat Kulkarni

In Karnataka’s literary landscape, (Late) Venkatesh Trivikrambhat Kulkarni, affectionately known as Galaganatha, though not widely acclaimed, left an indelible mark. Hailing from Havanur village, Galaganatha forsook financial security to pursue his passion for writing, producing around 60 books showcasing his literary prowess.

Chandrashekhar Patil

Another luminary in Kannada literature, the late Chandrashekhar Patil, fondly referred to as Champa, earned the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi Award for Poetry and the Karnataka state government’s Pampa Award. Works like “Nanna Guru Gokak,” “Nitya Varthamana,” and poems such as “Banuli” and “Madyabindu” continue to be celebrated for their brilliance.

Girish Karnad

The late Girish Karnad, a Jnanpith Award recipient, left a significant impact as a playwright and literary figure. His plays, including the renowned “Tughlaq,” have been successfully adapted into productions.

Sudha Murthy

A literary icon, Sudha Murthy has made an enduring contribution to Karnataka’s literary landscape with books like “Wise and Otherwise,” “Three Thousand Stitches,” and “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories.” Her remarkable work earned her the Daana Chintamani Attimabbe Award from the Karnataka state government.

Dadapeer Jyman

A Kannada writer, poet, and translator, Jyman achieved recognition through his collection of short stories, “Neelakurinji, Vaishnavi Prakashan.” This work received the 2021 Masti Venkatesh Iyegar Book Prize for Kannada literature and the 2022 National Sahitya Akademi Young Litterateur Prize.