It was G.B. Joshi, one of the pillars of modern Kannada literature who published Kamat's first book in 1969. By any yardstick, that was a stunning risk he was taking. Kannada book industry was in dire straits with no financial patronage for book business, and even established writers were finding it hard to get published. Kamat's work fell in an even darker area called the non-fiction category, and who's ever heard of Krishnanand Kamat?
The Monohara Grintha Mala, Joshi's publishing house that brought out such great writers as Yeshawant Chittal, Girish Karnad went on to publish many of Kamat's classic non-fiction books like Prani-Parisara (cover) - a study of flora and fauna depicted in Indian sculptures with a scientific angle -- a unique work indeed, and a collection of Kamat's letters to Jyotsna (my mother) titled "Letters to a Soulmate" (Preyasige Patragalu in Kannada - cover).
The friendship of the Joshis and Kamats spans decades and generations. As a premier publishing house, the Joshis had invaluable portraits of many Kannada geniuses, but many of them in a dilapidating condition. In a huge undertaking, Kamat the photographer (same as Kamat the writer), restored them. The Joshis were also responsible for providing access to many Kannada writers whom Kamat photographed. This photographic collection by itself is a great and lasting contribution (examples) to India by the Kamat-Joshi team.
And this week, Dr. Ramakant Joshi (G.B. Joshi's son) will unveil Kamat's latest book "The Return Journey" (Marupayana in Kanada).
If you live in the Dharwad area, do not miss Kamat's book release function on August 15th. It is one of the
rare occasions when Kamat appears in public... and yes, he will autograph the books. Sarod Maestro Pandit Rajeev Taranath will hold concert after the book release.
IndiaInfo: Kamat the All-rounder (in Kannada)
