Chennanna Walikar’s poetry gave voice to the oppressed, say scholars

Noted rebel poet Chennanna Walikar’s poetry reflects a powerful literary resistance against social injustice and inequality, and gives voice to the anguish of the oppressed and marginalised, said Prof. H.T. Pote, dean of the Faculty of Arts and director of the Institute of Kannada Studies at Gulbarga University.

He was speaking on Saturday at the release of Chigare Akrandana, a collection of poems by Chennanna Walikar, held at the Harihara Auditorium of the Kannada Department in Gulbarga University.

“Chennanna Walikar had a deep concern for social inequality and the suffering of Dalits, and dreamt of a society where the oppressed received justice and equality. His rebel literature and poetry carried a strong social commitment and played a significant role in shaping the direction of the Dalit movement. His writings remained relevant for understanding social realities. The government had established over 27 literary foundations across the State; there was neglect in setting up similar institutions in the Kalyana Karnataka region. The government should show interest in establishing the Chennanna Walikar Foundation in Kalaburagi,” he said.

Prof. Pote noted that Walikar’s writings sensitised society to the pain of the downtrodden and emphasised education, intellect and compassion as tools for social transformation. Referring to poets such as Siddalingaiah and Walikar, he said their works played a role in drawing the government’s attention to issues oppressed communities and women.

“Walikar believed that the song of hope should echo in every poor household, not just among the privileged. Through poetry, songs and performances, Walikar organised people across the State and waged a literary struggle against hunger, caste and class discrimination, and social inequality, while carrying forward the visionary ideas of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar,” he said.

Speaking on the poetry collection, Prof. Vikram Visaji, Dean of the Faculty of Languages at the Central University, described Walikar as a simple and sensitive poet who played a key role in the Kannada literary movement of the 1970s. “Walikar had no craving for power and relied solely on reading, writing, and singing to awaken society. He believed that true poetry was that which could correct society, reform it, and offer protection to the vulnerable. His life itself was poetry. His works stand as testimony to the idea that the cries, pain, struggles, and everyday hardships of ordinary people can be powerfully expressed through poetry. His poems and literary works invite readers into deeper introspection and provoke thought,” he said.

Writer Prabhakar Joshi, chief guest, recalled his close association with Walikar and said deep social concern and empathy for the oppressed were evident throughout his literary works.