International Booker Prize winning author Deepa Bhasthi delivered P. P. Gomathi Memorial Oration on “Thinking as dissent: some thoughts on language and world” at the Town Hall, in Mangaluru on Tuesday.
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Expressing her strong dislike of fundamentalist religious groups that divide society on communal lines, International Booker Prize winning writer Deepa Bhasthi on Tuesday said hate is the most dangerous thing to use in the society that is tolerant to all communities.Delivering the P.P. Gomathi Memorial oration on “Thinking as dissent: some thoughts on language” at the Town Hall in Mangaluru, Ms. Bhashti said people have likes and dislikes for various reasons and its very personal. There are people, especially those in power, who say they hate something that is eaten, worn and spoken. “Hate is the most dangerous thing to use in our society that is tolerant (to different communities),” she said.Answering to a question from the audience, Ms. Bhasthi said she is not against Hinduism, Islam or Christianity. “I am against the fundamentalist and radical forces in these communities, who misuse religion to divide the society,” she said. People should be aware of misinterpretation and re-interpretation of religious beliefs and thoughts, which cause problems in the society.Dissent, she said, was the main fabric of the country. For better health of democracy, dissent was necessary. “If somebody says that raising questions and pointing problems is foreign to our culture, do not believe them,” she said. Dissent helps in reshaping of ideas, she added.Expressing her dislike for use of Artificial Intelligence in the creative field, the International Booker Prize winning author said use of AI in different art forms was akin to making the brain stop from thinking. While going through social media posts, people should check authenticity of the content. They should also take a pause and think whether the content is true or not.Ms. Bhashthi said Karnataka was unique for its multilingual and diverse culture. Knowing different languages helps to see the world in different ways. “Nothing should stop us from living with multiple languages,” said Ms. Bhasthi and added, “I am from Madikeri where people speak in 12 languages and have knowledge of over 20 tribal languages.”Mangalore University Vice Chancellor P.L. Dharma also spoke. Many in the audience purchased Ms. Bhasthi’s “Heart Lamp” book, for which she won International Booker Prize, and took her autograph on it.The programme was organised by P.P. Gomathi Memorial Education Trust, in association with Mangalore University, Dakshina Kannada District Sahitya Parishat and Dakshina Kannada District Working Journalists Union. Published - June 09, 2026 06:38 pm IST
