Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s 16th state budget brought unexpected recognition for two prominent writers from Dakshina Kannada—Bolwar Mohammad Kunhi and Wilson Kateel.
A major announcement was the adaptation of “Swatantryada Ota,” a novel by Kendra Sahitya Academy awardee Bolwar Mohammad Kunhi, into a stage play to be performed across Karnataka. The government has allocated ₹1 crore for this project. Speaking to TOI, Kunhi expressed his delight, stating it was not just a moment of joy but also an honor to see his work acknowledged in the state budget.
This 1,110-page literary masterpiece explores Hindu-Muslim relations in both pre- and post-Independence India. Kunhi, a celebrated novelist, short story writer, playwright, and scriptwriter, has received the Sahitya Academy Award twice for his contributions to creative prose. He mentioned that Rangayana Shivamogga had informed him that their proposal to dramatize the novel had been approved.
Meanwhile, Wilson Kateel—known as Wilson Roshan Sequeira—was also recognized in the budget. A poet, lyricist, and storyteller, he was initially surprised when he received the news. Shortly after, multiple calls confirmed that the CM had referenced his free verse on water conservation in his budget speech. He expressed his happiness that his poem was chosen to emphasize the significance of water resources.
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