This controversy is misplaced

The opposition voiced by a few politicians to the invitation extended to writer Banu Mushtaq is totally misplaced. Banu has won laurels for the state and the state language Kannada by winning the International Booker Prize for her book ‘Heart Lamp’. The choice should have been lauded rather than being opposed.

She happens to be the first Kannada writer and the first author from the state to have won the prestigious international award. There cannot be two opinion on the state government selecting her for the inauguration of the Dasara festival touted as ‘Nada Habba’ (state festival) atop the Chamundi Hill.

It is unfortunate that some politicians deem her to be unfit for the honour for belonging to Muslim community. It is not for the first time that a Muslim is being invited for the opening of the festivities. Earlier, Kannada poet K. S. Nisar Ahmed too was invited by the state government for the occasion.

The noted poet was in fact the first Muslim to receive this honour. He officially opened the 408th edition of the festival on September 21, 2017 by showering flowers on the Chamundeshwari idol atop Chamundi Hill. Several Kannada poets and litterateurs known for the atheistic beliefs and agnosticism too have been conferred this honour in the past.

Given the nature of festivities, Dasara is symbolic of the State’s culture and traditions, represents a state festival drawing tourists from all across the world and has little to do with personal convictions of those who preside over the official inaugural ceremony.

Opponents will do well to avoid raising controversial issues with intent to polarise communities in matters of festivities which involve participation of all communities and carry the signature of the state’s culture. The controversy is unnecessary and should have been avoided.