Tumakuru: Poet H S Venkateshamurthy said the contribution of Masti Venkatesh Iyengar, the father of short stories in Kannada, to literature is excellent. At ‘Masti Nenapu-125’, a programme organised to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Masti Venkatesh Iyengar at Tumkur University, he said, “One should read Masti’s short stories to understand his greatness in writing. He wrote with maturity. He was writing till death. He became great through short stories.”

Venkateshamurthy said Masti was one of the tallest writers of Navodaya period in Kannada literature. “No one can match him. Though many writers came up writers, none of his characters are found in their writings,”he observed.

“Gopalakrishna Adiga, pioneer of Navya movement, compared Masti to a river. This shows Masti’s personality and the power of his writing. He was very loyal to values. He led a meaningful life with friendliness, love, faith, religion and truth,”he said.

Venkateshamurthy said Masti, Kuvempu, Bendre and Pu Thi Na believed in God. Writer A N Murthyrao did not believe in God. But some people lead life in confusion. Everyone should come out of such paradox and lead life either like Masti or Murthyrao, he added.

Writer K Satyanarayana said Mast had encouraged many writers, including Kuvempu, Pu Thi Na and Kailasam by publishing their works or providing them financial assistance.

Zilla Lekhakiyara Sangha president C N Sugunadevi, Arts College Principal Dr Jayaram, journalist Muneer Ahmed and Head of the Department of Kannada Shivanna were present.