Giraddi Govindaraj, a prominent Kannada critic, short story writer, essayist, translator, and thinker, was my favourite writer and teacher. He taught me literature and language at the Department of English, Karnatak University, Dharwad. He was my role model as a teacher, and I was one of his students who never wished to miss his classes. He was an ideal classroom teacher. Listening to his lectures was like listening to classical music.
I read his stories, essays, pen portraits, criticisms and translations regularly. Initially, my reading of Giraddi's works had no specific purpose; but later, I began reading his writings with a clear purpose - to write a monograph on him for Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi. I have learned that when we read a work of art for a specific purpose, we pay greater attention to the minute details that make the text possible. In doing so, we not only grasp the concern of the text but also understand the concern of the author. Through my study of Giraddi's writings, I have gained valuable insights that I am sure will enhance my own writing skills.
I must express my sincere thanks to the Secretary of Sahitya Akademi for his patience in my long silence and inordinate delay in submitting the draft monograph. It took me twice as long as expected to complete the work,
One day, Basavaraj Kalgudi, the convenor of Sahitya Akademi, called me and encouraged me to complete the monograph. I agreed, stating that I could not betray my teacher. A couple of months later, Basavaraj Sadar called me and asked me to submit the manuscript in a month. I agreed once again, but deep down, I knew that completing the task was a daunting challenge and I would need more time than anticipated. I knew I had to revisit his writings, which spanned nearly five thousand pages. I wasn't sure how to convince the Akademi authorities that I needed additional time to complete the work.
I hope that the monograph will not only help readers understand the life and works of Giraddi but also provide insight into the literary and cultural ethos that paved the way for the emergence of great writers like him, who created a new history in their respective fields.
I must thank Dr. Payal Sudhan and Dr. Nirmal Joseph, two of my colleagues at Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi for providing me the necessary help in the process of writing this monograph; I would be remiss, if I don't profusely thank Dr. Suchismita Barik for meticulously proofreading the monograph.
Finally, the time has come for me to put down my pen, end all speculation, and submit the final draft to the Akademi. I am really satisfied that I did not betray my teacher. I also wish to thank Dr. K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary. Sahitya Akademi; Prof. Basavaraj Kalgudi, Kannada Convener; Dr. Manu Baligar, and Dr. Basavaraj Sadar and members of the Akademi for their support and assistance.
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