Mysuru: Expressing concern over what they claimed as rising intolerance and inequality in the country, most of the speakers at the 8th session on ‘Current Situation - The Challenges Before Plurality’ on the third and concluding day of the 83rd Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana at Maharaja’s College Grounds here yesterday, deplored such tendencies. Addressing the session, former Kuvempu Bhasha Bharathi Chairman Pradhan Gurudutt said that India is a multi-cultural country and home to many religions and faiths. But it is regretful to note that religious fundamentalism is on the rise in the country, which is condemnable. Pointing out that we have both love and hatred, he said that theism and atheism co-exist in our country. “Just as fundamentalism exists everywhere in the world, there are fundamentalist in Hindu religion too,” he said, while expressing concern over rising intense fundamentalism across the globe. Stating that the word ‘Nationalism’ has come to the forefront these days, he said that Russian President Vladimir Putin can be quoted as the best example for describing neo-nationalism. Writer Prof. Kalegowda Nagawara, in his address, said that this was the most useful session where several issues bothering mankind were discussed.
