Mangaluru : Sahitya Akademi president Chandrashekar Kambar said on Sunday that the writer’s contribution to Kannada literature was precious.

Speaking at the launch of a seven-volume compilation of the works of the late Bhatta, brought out by the Kannada Book Authority, Mr. Kambar said Bhatta’s work translating to Kannada some exquisite Sanskrit plays is most treasured. He commended the Kannada Book Authority for its active involvement in promoting Kannada literature.

Authority chairperson Vasundhara Bhupathi said they had worked for five years to come up with the compilation of works. The authority will hold programmes on his works in every college in the State, she said.

Ms. Bhupathi said that like the book fair in Bengaluru, the authority will hold one in Mangaluru. It will be held after the Lok Sabha elections, she added.

Of the seven volumes, three are collections of his poems while two are related his writings on Kuvempu. The price for all seven volumes is Rs. 3,556. There will be a rebate of 15 % if they are purchased online.