“Today, there is a misconception that litterateurs don't believe in God and that only atheists are progressive thinkers. Going by that logic, I am not a litterateur as I believe in God,” said renowned Kannada writer Dr S.L. Bhyrappa, after inaugurating the 10-day Dasara festivities in Mysuru on Sunday.
“As a student, I used to climb the Chamundi hill once every week to catch a glimpse of the deity. I continue to visit the temple. I got my three grandchildren to this temple as newborns seeking the blessings of the deity. So, you can call me a believer,” said Bhyrappa, adding that some had expressed surprise that he had agreed to inaugurate the festival, despite being a writer.
“Some people argue God does not exist. But when you ask if there is God, you must also be aware that there are many things in the universe beyond our comprehension. It is wrong to say what you cannot comprehend does not exist. Even scientists say the universe was in its nascent stage some 15 billion years and it had no time and space references. Even the law of causation states every event has a cause and effect. Scientists accept their knowledge is limited. But so-called intellectuals still contend there is no God,” he said.
Bhyrappa observed that gender discrimination was not Indian “culture” but a temporary aberration brought in by invasions.
“India had a long tradition of according high status to women, which was temporarily disrupted by invasions. We believe in gods and goddesses though we revere the female deities more. Mother takes precedence over father in our culture. But suddenly we get to hear that women are not respected in our society. Women remained withdrawn or sidelined owing to invasion and assault. But today, we see more girls than boys pursuing higher education. Our society is always open to change,” said Bhyrappa.
The writer took serious objection to both the court and the Kerala government's stand over the issue of women's entry into the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala.
“It is not a question of gender equality but of one's beliefs. Now, we are celebrating Goddess Chamundeshwari's triumph over the evil and killing of demon king Mahishasura. Can people go to the court alleging discrimination against men?” asked Bhyrappa adding that law cannot establish gender equality as the cultural nuances and reality of the country were different.
A Mysorean, Bhyrappa opposed the promotion of commercial activities atop Chamundi hills saying the hill with the deity was meant to be a pilgrim centre where the devout seek tranquility and connect with the divine.
“Chamundi hills should not become an extension of Mysore city. The people of Mysuru want to see more trees and not shops and mammoth car parking lots on the hills. But it looks like the government has made up its mind to go ahead with its plan to commercialise in the name of tourism. It is a yatre (pilgrimage) and not a jaatre (fair). Shoppers can shop even in Mysore city,” said Bhyrappa.
Slamming intellectuals for joining the Lingayat agitation ahead of the assembly elections last year, Bhyrappa said politicians indulging in divisive politics was understandable, but writers supporting such agitations was unpalatable.
“Basavanna is revered as a social reformer for his commitment to work ethics and building a casteless society. But today, the politicians have spoilt the work ethics of people even in rural areas. The fallout of this is agriculture turning non-lucrative. Basavanna conducted inter-caste marriage of a Brahmin girl with a dalit boy to fight caste hierarchy. The society then was conservative. But today, we have moved away from agriculture economy, and both men and women are educated and financially independent. Education has been an equaliser. But intellectuals are busy taking part in regressive agitations rather than work towards realising Basavanna's teachings,” mocked Bhyrappa.
