Kannada-publisher Navakarnataka celebrates its golden jubilee

Kannada literature had been given a facelift with the efforts of Navakarnataka, which recently celebrated its golden jubilee. Their 2,951th book was launched to mark the occasion. Karnataka-based Navakarnataka Publications Pvt Ltd recently celebrated their 50th anniversary by releasing its prestigious publication Karnataka Kaladarshana – a two volume book on different aspects of Karnataka art and culture. This unique volume of 1,200 pages (demy quarto size) printed on art paper contains 4,300 colour and black & white pictures. Priced at Rs 3,000 it has been received well by readers. Edited by Prof MH Krishnaiah, Dr Vijaya and CR Krishna Rao the book has nine chapters with 50 articles written by 55 experts in various fields of arts, both visual and performing. This was Navakarnataka’s 2,951th publication in its golden jubilee year. The publishing house established in 1960 with the motto ‘Service to mankind through books’ has served the Kannada literary world offering variety of books to its readers, bagging prestigious awards including state government award and has emerged as a leading publishing house in Karnataka.

The golden Jubilee celebration was held in Ravindra Kalakshetra, Bangalore with noted playwright, poet and former vice-chancellor

Dr Chandrashekhara Kambara in the chair. Speaking on the occasion he said that Navakarnataka has done excellent service to Kannada literature, publishing useful books over the years. It has done what the universities in Karnataka could not do. The two volumes were released by Dr B Jayashree, noted theatre personality and Rajya Sabha member. She complimented Navakarnataka’s work and urged the Govt to support by purchasing books to libraries and educational institutions in the state. She regretted that Kannada was not well represented in parliament library and offered to present Karnataka Kaladarshna to it.

Mukhyamanthri Chandru, chairman, Kannada Development Authority, Govt of Karnataka while receiving the first copy of Kaladarshana said the two volumes should find a place in all libraries in the state and promised he would strive to achieve it. The presidents of various academies also received the copies of the book. DK Chowta, playwright and art lover, who was chief guest, welcomed Kaladarshana as first of its kind in any language in the country. Prof MH Krishnaiah, editor kaladarshana explained the highlights of the two volumes. Dr Vijaya, another editor, said the volumes represent the achievements of Karnataka in various fields of culture and also its contribution to the cultural world in general.

Earlier RS Rajaram, managing director, Navakarnataka Publications made a presentation of the achievements of the publishing house and unraveled the future plans. He said the organization over the years has built a chain of large number of readers and promoted hundred of writers. “The readers are our mainstay and we do not depend on Govt support or bulk purchase,” he said. CR Krishna Rao, director and editor, Karnataka Kaladarshana proposed vote of thanks.

The function was attended by eminent personalities like Sudha Murthy of Infosys Foundation, Jnanapihta awardee Girish Karnad, writers Ko Channabasappa, Dr CR Chandrashekar, veteran freedom fighter HS Doraiswamy, film maker and writer Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar, editor of Hosathu Dr G Ramakrishna and many others.