Mysuru: Dr Bhyrappa Releases Addanda Cariappa's Book on Tipu, Criticises Attempts To Glorify 'Anti-Kannada' Sultan Through Jayanthi, Statues

A play book on Tipu Sultan ‘Tipu Nijakanasugalu’ (The Real Dreams of Tipu), authored by  Addanda C. Cariappa, was released by celebrated Kannada writer and Saraswathi Samman awardee Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa at a programme organised at a function held at Vanaranga in Rangayana premises in Mysuru.

Speaking after launching the book, Dr.Bhyrappa criticised the recent announcement by Congress MLA Tanvir Sait to instal a 100-foot statue of Tipu Sultan in Srirangapatna. He said that the ‘’tendency and mindset’’ to valourise the 18 ^th century ruler still prevails a section of the society.

‘’While Tipu is valorised despite all evidence of his true nature, the same people do not care much for A.PJ. Abdul Kalam,” Dr.Bhyrappa added.

Bhyrappa said that there are enough evidences from historical records that Tipu was against Kannada.

Dr Bhyrappa pointed out how Tipu went on name changing spree of towns and cities and said that it nothing short of an attempt at imposing a new culture.

“Several Persian and Parsi terms still exist in the revenue department. Attempts to change names of villages are also proof to that,” he said.

 ‘’Villages, towns and cities have historical and cultural associations and abrogating a name amounts to imposing a new culture,” he added.

Criticising the staging of Jayanti celebrations honouring the memory of the ruler, he said it must be reserved only for saints and gods.

Dr. Bhyrappa has written the preface for the book.

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha, noted columnist and Yuva Brigade Founder Chakravarty Sulibele, social worker Vadhiraj of Samarasya Vedike, Bengaluru and writer Rohith Chakrathirtha participated in the event.

The book release event was held amid tight police security as few Islamic and groups linked to supporters of former CM Siddaramaiah had opposed the release of the book.

Addanda C. Cariappa, the author of the play book, serves as a director Rangayana Mysuru. The book is published by Ayodhya Prakashana, Bengaluru.

The first show of the play book ‘Tipu Nijakanasugalu’ will be staged on Nov. 20 at 6 pm at Bhoomigeeta in Rangayana premises by a 30-member team including 15 Rangayana artistes and 10 guest artistes.

Over 100 shows of the play, which is 3 hours-20 minutes of duration, will be staged across the state.