Thee New Books from Kamat's Potpourri

This occasion was to celebrate the golden jubilee of formation of Karnataka state and fifty books on different aspects of Karnataka culture were planned and executed by Mr. A.R. Panchamukhi, the dynamic president of the Society. These include books on religion, language, history, art, architecture, sculpture, inscriptions, folklore traditions, and travelogues. Works of up- and-coming scholars have figured with those of seasoned historians, which were out of print for long and were very much in demand. It is a unique adventure in unfolding old and new pages of Karnataka history.

Dr. Krishnanand Kamat's book in Kannada is entitled "Na Kanda Karnataka" (Karnataka, I have seen). It is a collection of twenty essays. It deals with ten different schools of painting that existed in Karnataka. Ten other articles are on spots of tourist interest as also on life and customs of various tribes and communities of Karnataka. These have undergone a sea change in the last fifty years. These articles therefore written by Kamat over a span of forty years, literally belong to history! Written at the request of different journals and periodicals, many articles reflect his concern over rapid depletion of forest life and eco-destruction. These writings are now available in a collection form for the first time, in "Na Kanda Karnataka"

Two other two books are by me.

One is on different aspects of everyday life in Karnataka over the ages entitled "Karunadina Janajeevana". It depicts the kannada people"s love for food, dress, sports, recreations and also moments of leisure. The other book is on "Kaigannadiyalli kannaditi" (Kannada lady in a hand- mirror) symbolizing vignettes of varied life of women of Karnataka, including her moments of trials, tribulations and happiness. A hand mirror reflection is too small to reflect the myriad pictures she represents. Hence the title. The book is only a hand mirror!

Kamat's book was released by the ninety-two year old Madhwa Pontiff Shri Vijnanidhi Teertha, president of National Institute of Vedic lore and my books were released by the Pontiff of Pejawar Mutt Shri Vishwesha Teerta. I felt twice blessed. I gratefully remembered the occasion of this learned Pontiff's inaugurating "Krishna Kalpa" community hall and library built in memory of my husband at Honavar in January 2007. Now the two new books by me were duly blessed by the swamiji, token copies of which were handed over to me.

The Governor of Karnataka Shri Rameshwar Thakurji was the chief guest. He lauded the efforts of the Historical Society in keeping the light of learning, burning for more than nine decades now.