Shakespeare’s Impact on Kannada Literature: Vice-Chancellor Kelaginamani Highlights

Quick Summary

• kannada literature has been significantly influenced by English literary works, particularly those of William Shakespeare, according to maharshi Valmiki University Vice-Chancellor Shivanand Kelaginamani.
• During the pre-Navodaya period, translations of English works played a crucial role in shaping Kannada consciousness and expanding its creative possibilities.
• The themes, language, and styles of Shakespeare’s plays brought excitement to Kannada literature and theater, with Kannada speakers enthusiastically adapting his works.
• Writer R.G. Hegde described Shakespeare as a problematic yet introspective author whose complexities reflect in his characters like Hamlet.
• Venkatagiri Dalawai emphasized the importance of accessing shakespeare’s work directly in Kannada for deeper cultural ownership rather than through English interpretations alone.
• Basavaraj Donur highlighted the contemporary relevance of Shakespeare’s plays for addressing philosophical and cultural crises in India today. He noted that British culture sees him as an enduring symbol across generations.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Shakespeare’s profound impact on global literature extends into regional languages like Kannada, demonstrating how cross-cultural exchanges can enrich local literary traditions while offering new perspectives on creativity and storytelling methods. The enthusiasm shown by kannadigas toward adapting and expanding upon English literature underscores the openness within indian languages to embrace global classics.

A recurring theme from this event was the need for translating major works into native tongues directly to foster deeper linguistic integration and identity preservation-this could encourage richer navigation between cultures without overshadowing indigenous expressions or narratives.

The discussions also hint at broader implications: exploring universal human experiences through artistic mediums like theatre can potentially address complex societal issues in contemporary India-a testament to how timeless works may offer insights beyond their original context.

Published – August 10, 2025 07:03 pm IST