“Incorporating the essence of local dialects (Jawari style) into storytelling is vital to preserve and recognize the identity of these unique linguistic styles,” said renowned writer Anupama Prasad.
She was addressing students during the third edition of “Speaks”, a story-telling series organized by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (Postgraduate) at Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College on December 17.
Anupama Prasad emphasized the importance of showcasing the flavor of native languages in storytelling. “While it’s often said that people in Dakshina Kannada predominantly use classical Kannada in conversations, the Jawari dialect also thrives here. Recently, this dialect has gained prominence through cinema. It is essential to incorporate this linguistic richness into literature,” she noted. Speaking at the event, Dr. Rajasekhara Halemane, a writer and Kannada professor at SDM College, praised Anupama Prasad as a leading female writer of exceptional works. He expressed hope that her novel “Pakki Hallada Hadigunta” would earn the Central Sahitya Akademi Award and encouraged students to explore her literature.
Dr. B.A. Kumar Hegde, Principal of the college, highlighted the role of stories in shaping character and commended the Journalism Department for organizing the storytelling initiative. The event featured story presentations by students Darshini, Srushti, Sinchana Kalluraya, and Sanjay Chitradurga, along with Dr. Virat Padmanabha, a faculty member of the Journalism Department. Commemorative mementos were distributed to storytellers from all three editions of the series.
The event was graced by guest Kelangi Ramachandra Hegde, father of Anupama Prasad, along with SDM Postgraduate Centre Dean Dr. Vishwanatha P., faculty from various departments, and students. The program began with a welcome address by Dr. Bhaskara Hegde, Head of the Journalism Department. Student Naidile proposed the vote of thanks, while Divyashree Hegde moderated the story presentations. The event was coordinated by Dr. Geetha, faculty of the Journalism Department.