Dharwad: Leading women writers rued that despite several women contributing immensely to Kannada literature, they were not being given due recognition and rewards.Speaking at a session on ‘Contribution of women writers from North Karnataka to Kannada literature’ at the Dharwad district Kannada Sahitya Sammelana here on Saturday, Shanta Imrapur said many women writers had written poems, vachanas, novels, short stories, plays and travelogues which are of high quality but, they have not been accorded due recognition.“It was in 1918 when Da Ra Bendre wrote 'Tutturi' which had a social and philosophical message to the society and this paved the way for the rise of modern Kannada literature. However, 10 years prior to this, Santubai Neelgar had authored an 80-page book on women sensitization. Unfortunately, this has not been documented nor recognized. The need of the hour is to unearth the contribution of women writers and document them,” she said.Another writer Vinaya Vakkund said that in the 18th and 19th centuries, there were no discussions on concerns of women in Karntaka and other parts of the country. This led to the neglect of women’s concerns. “However, sailing past all odds, noted women writers Shailaja Udachan, Shashikala Veerayyaswamy and Shantadevi Malwad among others aired their concerns through poetry,” Vinaya said.Recalling that many women saints in 12th century had penned vachanas in Kannada to send across the message of unity, peace, harmony and integrity, Vinaya said there is a need to give due place to these writers in the history of Kannada literature.Veena Sankangoudar said the question to be answered is whether women have got equal status and their literature has found a distinct place in the literary circle. Young women writers should strive to develop their own style and produce useful literature, she added.President of the meet Malati Pattanshetti was present on the dais.

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