Senior writer Baragur Ramachandrappa speaking at the inaugural session of Kalyana Karnataka National Literary Festival at Gulbarga University in Kalaburagi on Monday.
| Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI

Kannada writer and cultural activist Baragur Ramachandrappa has raised concern over the growing prevalence of cynicism and mass hysteria that foster social division and hostility.

Speaking at the Kalyana Karnataka National Literary Festival at Gulbarga University here on Monday, Mr. Ramachandrappa emphasised on the urgent need to combat these destructive forces to preserve free and democratic discourse.

“We are witnessing two extremes today: cynicism and mass hysteria,” he said.

“Cynicism, rooted in conceit and narcissism, drives individuals to constantly find faults in others. More perilous, however, is mass hysteria, often fueled by religion which creates societal euphoria and erodes critical thinking. Those under its influence behave as though they possess eternal truth, spreading rigid stereotypes and sowing enmity among people. Both cynicism and mass hysteria stifle meaningful dialogue and divide society,” he said.

Mr. Ramachandrappa also lamented polarization within the intellectual sphere. He noted that many writers, columnists and analysts are no longer independent but are instead aligned with political ideologies. “The divide is so stark that we can guess one’s stance by one’s appearance,” he remarked.

Meaningful dialogue

Reflecting on historical interactions, Mr. Ramachandrappa cited the exchanges between Mahatma Gandhi and Goparaju Ramachandra Rao (Gora) as well as between Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar. He highlighted how such dialogues, though challenging, led to transformative outcomes without compromising individual beliefs.

“Gora was an atheist and Gandhi a theist. Both engaged in profound discussions. Gora clarified that his atheism is not merely a denial of God but a commitment to empowering people and eradicating inequality, discrimination and exploitation based on caste, religion and gender. Gandhi acknowledged this perspective, even revising his own belief from God is truth to truth is God after their interaction,” Mr. Ramachandrappa explained.

Similar was the interaction between Gandhi and Ambedkar on August 14, 1931, in Bombay (now, Mumbai). As a result of such interaction, Gandhi who had positively seen Sanatana Dharma and the Varna system changed his outlook by 1936. He publically denounced the Dharma Shastras and Hindu religion that justified caste discrimination and oppression. Such is the power of genuine interaction,” Mr. Ramachandrappa asserted.

Mr. Ramachandrappa also critiqued the current state of literary and cultural discourse, expressing dismay over the dominance of impulses and euphoria over substantive dialogue.

“Impulses are not wisdom. Today, seminars are marked more by frenzy than meaningful exchange. Communalism is replacing humanity and we are in a period of turmoil where words are losing their meaning and strength. Spoken words are easily distorted, posing a cultural crisis,” he said.

Concluding his address, Mr. Ramachandrappa called for a return to humanity-centered discourse.

“For centuries, the literary community has championed humanity. Today, we face the challenge of speaking truthfully without allowing our words to be distorted. This is not just a literary crisis but a cultural one,” he said.

The event, attended by writers, students and literary enthusiasts, underscored the need for fostering inclusive and thoughtful dialogue in an increasingly polarised world.