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| image-source : aajtak.intoday.in |
In an unassuming manner to his caliber and contribution to the art and cultural fields in the country and elsewhere he preferred to be cremated as another ordinary fellow being by denying the honors of a state funeral willingly offered by the local government.Not only refusal of a funeral with state honor, his last rites took place devoid of any religious rituals unlike during such occasions in the case of all others.
HD Kumaraswamy, Chief Minister had made an announcement in this regard soon after learning his demise and had declared that the late artist would be accorded a state funeral. He also declared the day as a public holiday apart from three days mourning across the state.But all such claims turned out to be only for public consumption as there were no takers from the family for all such gestures. DK Shivakumar, Power Minister had to return empty handed from the late author's house as Raghu Karnad, the latter's son refused to oblige.
The family also refused to entertain mourners to enter the house on Lavelle Road in the city. Instead it was informed through the media that all those willing to pay their last respects are welcome to do so at the crematorium.Again as per the last wishes of Girish Karnad, his son Raghu Karnad lit the pyre. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the country in paying tributes to the departed soul. He was soon followed upon by many a veteran belonging to various fields in recalling the services of the veteran actor.
Girish Karnad, fondly known as Girish in his intimate circles, even during his lifetime had set down his own way in personal and public life. According to his own admission, he did his Arts degree from Karnataka College, Dharwad with the sole intention of bagging a scholarship to go abroad for higher education.There were no pretensions when it came to taking decisions and all his sought after formal higher education in the best of world renowned institutions didn't come to his rescue for venturing into a career in that direction.
He instead preferred to tread a path of his own altogether by plunging into the art world to become a poet, playwright and an actor and no doubt accomplished huge successes in whatever he tried.However his utterances and public outcry against the right wing policies made him an controversial figure in the state politics. His defense of Tippu Sultan, the erstwhile ruler of the royal Mysuru kingdom spread like wildfire to the extent of the state government providing him police security.
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| image-source : filmibeat.com |
-Manohar Yadavatti
Girish Karnad invited extreme hatred from many corners due to his frequent outbursts particularly during the last phase of his life. Most of it appear unnecessary and could have been avoided. A pendulum which does not swing evenly may end up losing significance. Whatever the reason or justification, in his death he left a message which in his life time he held dear to his heart. It certainly showed the mettle the man was made of.
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