Keshava Malagi

Infobox Writer
name = Keshava Malagi


birthdate = 1963
occupation = Writer
nationality = India
genre = Fiction

Keshava Malagi is a leading Kannada writer of the post-Bandaya generation. He has published two novels Kunkuma bhoomi and Angada dhare, and three story collections, Kadala terege dande, Maagi moovattaidu and Vennela dorasani [ [http://saadhaara.com/themes/article/unicode/kannada/111/2/doresani_keshavamalagi_uni.htm news of india deshabhimani daily at saadhaara.com ] ] .

Life and career

Malagi was born in 1963 in Karnataka. He obtained his MA from Gulbarga University and began his career as a journalist. He served as sub-editor in "Suddi sangati", Prajavani and Times of India, and as editor with Orient Longman. Malagi moved from journalism to education and joined MAYA, a Bangalore-based NGO. He now works with the Azim Premji foundation "Vennela Dorasani", Kathana, Bangalore, 2004] .

Literary Works

Malagi's works began to be published in 1988. "Dhariniya jote nannadondu kathe" was one of his early stories. The novel Kunkuma Bhoomi appeared in 1990 ["Kunkuma bhoomi", Kalyani Prakashana, Bangalore, 1990] . His collection of stories "Vennela Dorasani" fetched him the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi book prize in 2005 [ [http://www.thehindu.com/2006/02/25/stories/2006022510020300.htm The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Five writers selected for Kannada Sahitya Academy awards ] ] . Malagi's novels and stories are known for their use of sentimentalism as a style. His stories can be classified into three major types. The first type explores man-woman relationship in the modern world. Stories like "Dharini jote nannadondu kathe", "Maatu yataneya diddi bagilu", "Agamya agochara apratima jeevave" and "Baro geejaga" belong to this category. The second one deals with the struggles of women in today's society and the question of social justice. "Vennela Dorasani", "Saubhagyavati" and "Kempu mannina okkalu" are among these stories. The third type deals with nostalgia about an estranged childhood and adoloscence. "Kadala terege dande" and "Ishtu nakshatragalalli yavudu nanage" are examples . His recent novel Angada Dhare has been acclaimed as a major work in Kannada literature [Manu Devadevan, "Adondu Aayata Galige", in "Angada Dhare", Abhinava, Bangalore, 2006, p.9-26] . It deals with the story of Siddharama, a PhD student, who opts out of research to become a monk. Siddharama eschews worldliness, but his well-meaning acts creates effects which are against his wishes. A group of devotees are attracted towards him, which soon turns into a big patron-base. A large religious establishment with affiliate schools, colleges and charity organizations starts growing around him in his name. But Siddharama is helpless and remains a mute spectator. At last abandons the establishment and leaves the place to make a fresh beginning.

Works

Short story collections

* Kadala terege dande
* Maagi moovattaidu
* Vennela Dorasani

Novels

* Kunkuma Bhoomi
* Angada Dhare

Others

* Boris Pasternak Vachike (Boris Pasternak reader)
* Nerale Hannu (a collection of essays)

Awards and Honours

* Karnataka Sahitya Akademi book prize for 2005.
* Pa.Vem.Acharya award
* Ministry of Human Resource Development fellowship for Kannada literature.

References

External links

1. http://saadhaara.com/themes/article/unicode/kannada/111/2/doresani_keshavamalagi_uni.htm
2. http://www.thehindu.com/2006/02/25/stories/2006022510020300.htm
3. http://thatskannada.oneindia.in/literature/short-story/2004/291004keshavmalagi.html
4. http://209.85.175.104/search?q=cache:8-5hlEtOP28J:www.sahitya-akademi.org/sahitya-akademi/lit11.htm+keshava+malagi&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=10
5. http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/04/04/stories/2008040450880400.htm