Shakespeare's works have influenced Kannada writings, says Vice-Chancellor Kelaginamani

The Hindu

2 days ago

A lot of English literary works, especially those by William Shakespeare, have influenced Kannada writings. They have also helped in expanding Kannada consciousness, Maharshi Valmiki University Vice-Chancellor Shivanand Kelaginamani said in Dharwad on Sunday.
'In the pre-Navodaya period, translations of English works played a significant role in shaping Kannada literature. Shakespeare's plays brought a new wave of excitement to Kannada literature and theatre. Their themes, sensibilities, language and style expanded the creative possibilities of Kannada literature,' he said.
He was speaking during the inauguration of a lecture series on Shakespeare's plays, organised by Dharwad Katte in association with CVG Publications, Bengaluru, and Maharshi Valmiki University at the Bendre Bhavan in Dharwad.
'Kannada speakers accepted these English works with enthusiasm. Translations of his plays played a crucial role in expanding Kannada consciousness. Through adaptations, Kannada language tried to make Shakespeare's works its own,' he said.
Writer R.G. Hegde said that Shakespeare was a problematic author. 'Both his life and writings carried complexities. He spoke openly about the world but never uttered a word about himself. The central theme of his plays was exploration. He tried to understand the inner depths of the world. Hamlet was a meditative, contemplative mind and such a mind would never resort to murder,' he said.
Writer Venkatagiri Dalawai said that the problem with Kannada's engagement with Shakespeare was in knowing him only through English.
'Shakespeare must be accessed in Kannada itself so that Kannadigas can truly own him. He had many disagreements with Christianity and Christians. His plays were not author-centric. They were centred on the work itself,' he said.
Writer and academic Basavaraj Donur observed that Shakespeare's plays offer solutions to numerous philosophical, social, religious, moral, political, literary and cultural crisis in today's India.
'The contemporary relevance of his plays is astonishing. Shakespeare was a rare genius that the world has seen. No other author has spoken about human nature, divinity and nature the way he has. The British revere Shakespeare. Above all, he is their identity, their past, present and future,' he said.
Vijaykumar Katagihallimath and D.M. Hiremath also spoke on the occasion. C.V.G. Chandru was present at the event.