Dr. N.S.Lakshminarayan Bhatta speaks to Kannadigas in Atlanta

Dr.Bhatta, scholar, writer, critic, poet and an educator spoke at Nrupathunga Kannada Koota forum on Saturday August 19.2006. Dr. H.N.Ramaswamy organizer of the meeting while introducing the illustrious writer, briefly outlined Dr. Bhatta’s writings.

Dr. Bhatta has been seen as T.S. Eliot of Karnataka. He is the father of the modern “Bhavageethegalu”. His poems have been popularized by many famous singers in Karnataka.
He spoke on the subject “why we need sahithya(literature)”. He emphasized that the object of literature is to transform natural mind into a cultured one. Language sometimes divides us but literature unites us. Poem like “onde matharam” from Benagali writer Bakim Chandra invoked the fever of independence movement in India from all Indians. Richness in one language by translation has enriched the literature in many Indian languages. People gain more insight and knowledge through literature, since the poet sees the ordinary things in extraordinary ways because of the poet’s imagination and creative skills. Dr. Bhatta elaborated on many poets such as Valmiki, D.R. Bendre, Pampa and others who have through their writings gave the glimpse of the insight of feelings in the stories, poems and epics.

Dr. Bhatta has won several prestigious national awards for his writings. He has also instilled in many young writers confidence and has helped them to gain recognition.
Dr.Bhata coming from a very poor family, struggled during his college days to meet his expenses. Those hardships have made him to realize the value of love and care.
His lecture was well received and his two hours lecture left indelible impressions and enlightened the audience with feelings and richness of literature.
Mrs. Indira Ramaswamy, Beena Rao, Dr. Jaynthi Srinivasiah, Hema Veedhalu sang a few of his poems and were helped by Mr. Venkatesh Biligere with his keyboard.