Hassan: Prominent women writers and activists, taking part in the Kannada Sahitya Sammelan here on Monday, came down heavily on novelist S.L. Bhyrappa for his depiction of women, particularly “educated and progressive women”, in a poor light in his works. They registered their opposition to him being named ‘National Professor’.
M.S. Ashadevi, well-known critic, said the basic principle of being a writer is to treat all human beings equally. “But Prof. Bhyrappa has never treated women, who form 50 per cent of the population, as human beings.” This, she said, was not befitting a civilised person.
At another seminar, referring to Prof. Bhyrappa’s recent novel Yaana, K.S. Vimala, women’s rights activist, said: “He has projected progressive women in his works as being low in character. It is a shame that he has been designated by the Centre as National Professor.”
Drawing references from Prof. Bhyrappa’s novels Vamshavriksha, Kavalu and Yaana, journalist Gauri Lankesh said the writer projected educated women, who challenge the puritanical value system, as maniacs or opportunists. Writer and poet K. Sharifa also took exception to the depiction of women in his novels.
Courtesy: The Hindu
