Latest news with #LadaiPrakashana
New Indian Express
20-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Publishing house with a mission
VIJAYAPURA : Ladai Prakashana, a publishing house in Gadag, has been bringing to light works of new writers, especially those associated with 'Bandaya Sahitya' (rebel literature), since its inception in 2002. Established by writer and activist Basavaraj Sulebhavi, 60, of Vijayapura, this publishing house has been named after Ladai, his weekly newspaper, which folded up due to logistical issues. Ladai, colloquially means struggle. After obtaining a Master's degree from Dharwad University, Sulebhavi not only worked as a part-time lecturer, but also as a reporter of a Kannada daily for nearly a decade in Gadag district. As a journalist, Sulebhavi focussed on inequality in society and highlighted the issues faced by marginalised sections. However, it was his passion for writing and social change that led him to publication of books. As the state convener of 'Bandaya Sahitya', Sulebhavi organised several literary conventions across Karnataka to amplify the voices of the oppressed and marginalised sections of society. 'We wanted to give voice to the voiceless and create a platform for new writers committed to the struggle against injustice and inequality in society through the pen,' Sulebhavi told TNSE. 'Ladai Prakashana is committed to publishing works that attempt to address social discrimination, communalism, caste injustice, and highlight the struggle by marginalised communities. Such works must be factual and people-oriented,' he said. Ladai Prakashana has published 302 books so far, with the number growing from a modest four to nearly 20 titles a year. Its publications have received many awards and recognition from the state government for best design. Prominent among them are from the Karnataka Sahitya Academy and Kendra Sahitya Parishat. It has published many books of progressive Tamil and Telugu writers in Kannada, ensuring that literature promoting social equality transcends linguistic barriers. 'Our first book, Bayarike (Thirst), a poetry anthology on women's issues by first-time writers, received overwhelming appreciation. Its author, Dr Vinaya, is one of the debutant writers encouraged by Ladai,' he said. Ladai doesn't collect any fee from writers for publishing their works. They are funded by a network of like-minded individuals to keep the mission going. The books are affordably priced, reflecting the modest backgrounds of their authors.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Shelter of solidarity: Activists join hands to honour their own on his 60th birthday
1 2 Vijayapura: It is a universal trend to publish a congratulatory book on notable personalities when they attain the ages of 60, 75, or other significant years. However, Anil Hosamani, a dedicated activist who lived in a shed-like structure and runs a printing press to spread the thoughts of Ambedkar, Basavanna, and Gandhiji, received a unique felicitation on his 60th birthday on Sunday. His fellow activists and like-minded people moved his belongings to a temporary shed - to construct a permanent house. Basavaraj Sulibhavi of Ladai Prakashana told TOI that they decided to construct a house at a cost of Rs 18 lakh through crowdfunding. "His house is already named 'Samvidhana Mane' (Constitution House), as he always fought to uphold constitutional values in society. We are firm on not accepting any contribution either from politicians or from the govt. Many activists are lending help in the form of cement, bricks, jelly stones, sand, iron, doors, windows, fans, and other construction materials and equipment. Many like-minded organisations and fora are extending their support for this cause," he explained. Construction started with the recital of Ambedkar's thoughts and Basavanna's vachanas at Ibrahimpur railway gate, followed by a seminar on Anil Hosamani's contributions, at Ambedkar Bhavan in Vijayapura. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Mallikarjun Heggalagi, a senior writer, noted that constructing a house for an activist and writer is a rare occurrence in the state. "Hosamani was imprisoned and assaulted by police for his involvement in various struggles in favour of farmers, labourers, Dalits, and poor people throughout his life. His father, Chandrashekhar Hosamani, resigned from his govt job, influenced by Ambedkar's thoughts and started a daily. Following him, Anil met Savita, Ambedkar's second wife, in 1983 in Vijayapura. Savita said, "fight against injustice and don't lose hope," and Anil followed her words throughout his life. He runs 'Bahujana Nayaka' daily to spread Ambedkar's ideology from his printing press, which is named after Ambedkar," he said. Veteran journalist Sanathkumar Belagali noted that normally activists' wards turn away from activism. "However, Anil is an exception, continuing his father's legacy. He is fortunate that his son Sangharsh is also following the same line of activism. He has also translated a book 'Ambedkar Sahavasadalli' from Marathi, which received an award from the Karnataka Sahitya Academy. However, Hosamani has never bothered about his living. Now it is good that his co-activists and supporters have united to construct a house on his ancestral site of 1,400 sqft," he lauded.
