Rehamat Tarikere to inaugurate two-day Jananudi 2026 in Mangaluru on November 28

Celebrated Kannada writer, rational thinker, and critic Rehamat Tarikere will inaugurate the two-day ‘Jananudi 2026’, a literary conference of progressive thinkers, in Mangaluru on November 28.

After completing his B.A. at Sahyadri College, Shivamogga, he earned his M.A. degree from the University of Mysore, securing seven gold medals. He subsequently obtained his Ph.D. with a thesis titled ‘Modern Kannada Poetry and Protest’. He retired after serving as a Professor, Head of Department, and Dean in the Department of Literary Studies at Kannada University, Hampi.

He has authored over 30 books based on extensive fieldwork and research into the Sufi, Natha, Shakta, and Muharram cultures of Karnataka. His notable works include Pratisamskruti (counter-culture), Karnataka Sufigalu (Sufis of Karnataka), Andaman Kanasu (Andaman dream – a travelogue), Karnataka Shaktapantha (Shakta tradition in Karnataka), and Kattiyanchina daari (Path on the edge of a sword).

Mr. Tarikere has received numerous awards and honours for his literary contributions, including the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi book award. His collection of critical essays, Kathiyanchina daari, won the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 2010. However, he returned the award in protest against the rising intolerance in the country, according to Jananudi Balaga.

A book fair will be organised on the evening of November 27 as part of the conference.