Some writers and thinkers associated with the Bandaya (progressive) movement of the ’70s, which started as a rebellion against the established literary canon and a voice of the oppressed, are regrouping in Karnataka to revive its ideals.
The movement marked its start by organising Bandaya Sahitya Sammelan on March 10, 1979, at Devanga Hostel in Bengaluru. Those leading the movement included the late D.R. Nagaraj, Baragur Ramachandrappa, Chandrashekhar Patil, Siddalingaiah, Kalegowda Nagavara, Geetha Nagabhushana Channanna Walikar, and Alanahalli Krishna among others. Those associated with the movement will get together on Sunday to rejuvenate its crusade after four decades. Mr. Ramachandrappa said: “Time is ripe to revive the movement as reactionary and fundamentalist forces have become more aggressive and progressive forces are getting disunited in recent years. It will create a platform for democratic, Left, progressive, and revolutionary forces to unite.”
“We will hold Bandaya conventions in four revenue divisions and will strengthen the movement by forming district- level units,” said Mr. Ramachandrappa, who will deliver the keynote address at the event at Senate Hall of Central College, Bengaluru. There will be sessions on ‘democracy and creativity’ and ‘democracy and depressed classes’. Mr. Patil will deliver the valedictory address.
