Digital media threatening book culture, says Marulasiddappa at literary event

Senior writer and thinker K. Marulasiddappa said the growing dominance of digital media is threatening book culture, affecting the publishing industry and the reading habits of younger generations.

Speaking after the Kannada Book Authority Annual Awards 2025 and book awards ceremony here on Friday, he said book culture, once an integral part of households, is gradually disappearing with the advent of digital media.

There used to be large collections of books in households, but today young people could carry thousands of books on a single Kindle device. While digital platforms offered convenience, the trend was causing significant losses to printers, publishers and authors, he said.

The preservation of book culture was a collective responsibility and the media played an important role in this regard. He emphasized the contribution of librarians in promoting reading habits and suggested that the authority should give an award for their services.

Rajya Granthalaya Pustaka Aayke Samiti Chairman Rajappa Dalawai said Kannada book culture has a rich history and released the Honna Kalasa booklet introducing the awardees. Books were essential for understanding the past and passing on history and heritage to future generations. The publishing industry has also sustained hundreds of families, so its preservation is a collective responsibility, he said.

Kannada and Culture Ministry Secretary Manjushree N. said her choice of Kannada as an optional subject for the civil services examination helped her appreciate the richness of Kannada literature. The state government is ready to take necessary steps to preserve the literary tradition, language and culture, she said.

University of Mysore Vice-Chancellor NK Lokanath said the university has made a significant contribution to Kannada book culture through its Prasaranga publications.

Kannada Book Authority Chairman Manasa, presiding over the programme, outlined initiatives to promote reading, including Manegondu Granthalaya (a library for every home) and Angaladalli Thingala Pustaka (book of the month in the courtyard). Four new prizes have been introduced for the revitalization of book culture, she said.

MGR Urs and folk singer Shivarudrappa Jogi, who introduced the foundation awards, and Santosh Madenur, sponsor of the Kavithe Haadi Gida Padeyiri (Sing a Poem, Get a Tree) initiative, were felicitated.

Published – 18 Oct 2026 18:44 IST