Bengaluru: Writer Vikram Sampath’s stand on award wapsi by authors across the country, protesting against an atmosphere of intolerance, has come back to haunt him, with two writers choosing to opt out of the fourth edition of Bangalore Literature Festival, founded by Mr Sampath.
Mr Sampath, whose article appeared in Deccan Chronicle, said, “The two writers could have discussed it with us before going to the media. I am disturbed by the development. It is definitely unfortunate and we have asked them to reconsider their decision and use the literature festival as a platform to discuss their viewpoint. In fact, they are depriving a vast audience of listening to their voice.”
The writers have said that it was embarrassing for them to be associated with someone who chose to stand with a system that aligns with an intolerant and right wing political system. “I don't regret what I have written, but name-calling or labelling a person is not what we should aspire to do. Suddenly, I am becoming a liability for my own festival. I would request them to not twist and misunderstand the spirit of the article,” Mr Sampath said.
But some writers have maintained a neutral stand and are willing to participate in the fest. “It is the city's literature festival. Though I don't agree with what Vikram has said, I would be part of the festival,” said writer Shashi Deshpande, who quit her Central Sahitya Akademi post because she was distressed by the silence over the murder of rationalist Dr M.M. Kalburgi nearly three months ago in Dharwad. "Boycotting it is not going to serve any purpose. I feel I should use it as a platform to speak my views."
Mr Sharath Komarraju, who pens both fiction and nonfiction, will participate as a panelist for crime writing on December 6. "Everyone is free to express their opinion and we should accept it and everyone has the right to feel offended as well. As long as opinions and views are not unconstitutional, I see no harm in it. I am looking forward to the literature festival and would be there on both days," he said.
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