Moodbidri, (DHNS): Though written in different genres, the National Anthem written by Rabindranath Tagore and the State anthem of Kuvempu continue to be symbols of plurality that the country and the State are known for, said film director Nagathihalli Chandrashekar here on Friday.

In his presidential speech at the inauguration of the three-day Alva’s Nudisiri, Mr. Chandrashekar said that “by singing the National Anthem, the State anthem and the farmers song (raitha geethe), we get to know literature that speaks of plurality and harmonious living. These songs show how our ancestors accepted plurality.” “I am not asking you to sing the National Anthem to show your nationality,” he said and added, “but it is necessary to sing these songs and have a feel of the lyrics and the tune to understand them.”

The essence of plurality, according to Mahatma Gandhi, was respecting other religions but living with your religion. “If you are rejecting pluralism, it is akin to rejecting life,” he said. Criticising groups advocating one religion and one caste, Mr. Chandrashekar said that it was akin to having only one type of tree on earth.

Mr. Chandrashekar said that it was sad to see communal disturbance in Dakshina Kannada, which is known for its religious and cultural diversity. “It is high time that right thinking people come together to raise their voice against forces that are trying to create a wedge among communities,” he said. Communalism that was harming plurality should be strongly condemned, he said.

In his inaugural speech, writer C.N. Ramachandran said that the acceptance of 22 languages as official languages in the Constitution showed that the country was in favour of pluralism.

Chairman of Alva’s Education Foundation M Mohan Alva accused political parties of dividing society on the basis of caste, creed and language to meet their political ends.

Kannada Sahitya Parishad president Manu Baligar spoke.