Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 23: The silver jubilee celebrations of ‘Akshaya’ Kannada monthly bulletin of metro-based Billawar Association was held at Narayan Guru Auditorium, Billawa Bhavan, Santacruz (East) here on Sunday October 20.
Billawar Association honorary president Jaya C Suvarna inaugurated the programme. Billawar Association president L V Amin presided over the function.
Renowned poet and litterateur Dr B A Sanadi, Central Sahitya Academy New Delhi chairman Dr Narahalli Balasubramanya, Dalit Sahitya Parishat chairman Dr Arjun Golasangi, critic Dr Janardhan Bhat Udupi, Akkalakote College head of department of Kannada Dr Gurulingappa Dabale, Mumbai University head of department of Kannada Dr G N Upadhya, Professor Tukaram Poojary, litterateur V Ga Nayaka, Mohan C Poojary Ahmedabad, journalists Srinivas Jokatte and Dayasagar Chowta, ‘Akshaya’ Kannada monthly bulletin honorary chief editor M B Kukyan, managing editor Nityanand D Kotian, editor Dr Eshwar Alevoor, sub editor Harish Hejmady, editorial Committee members Mahesh Karkal, Dharmesh Salian, B D Suvarna, Satish N Bangera, Dr Sunita M.Shetty and H B L Rao, Billawar Association vice presidents C T Salian and Chandrashekar S Poojary, honorary chief secretary Jyoti K Suvarna, women wing president Shakuntala K Kotian among others were present on the occasion.
Dr Sanadi after releasing ‘Akshaya’ silver jubilee commemorating special issue said that Mumbai Kannadigas are friendlier than native Kannadigas. Mumbai is like other home. The unity in diversity of Mumbaikars is exemplary. Tulu – Kannadigas have contributed significantly for the prosperity of Mumbai. Mumbai Kannadigas still maintain long lasting relations with homeland in promoting Kannada and its distinct culture besides Kannada journalism. Kannada department of Mumbai University has been doing yeomen service in promoting Kannada in the metro. Kannada journalism in metro has been effectively done by ‘Akshaya’ Kannada bulletin that has core values of secularity to foster bonds with people of different states, said Dr Sanadi. He also hoped ‘Akshaya’ celebrates milestones in its future endeavor.
Dr Sanadi conferred Guru Narayan Literary Award–2013 to veteran litterateur V Ga Nayaka and Shyamala Nayak on the occasion. The award comprised Rs 25,000 cash, a citation letter and mementoes.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Narahalli Subramanya said that he was happy that a veteran litterateur is being conferred with the award on this auspicious occasion. The media plays greater role in reforming the society. Billawar Association with its core values of Narayan Guru’s ideology promoting secularity through ‘Akshaya’ Kannada monthly bulletin, commended Dr Subramanya.
Dr Subramanya further said, “Both religions and politics are corrupted in the country. The chaos prevails because of its close proximity. The media is expected to create general awareness in this regard. It’s irony that the politics is suppressing the freedom of journalism; while the politicians are maintaining their self interests in the guise of favoring media. It indeed poses a challenge to media at this testing time. One ought to develop strong conviction to core values to overcome this stumble blocks. The media should voice the issues of common-folks who form greater portion of Indian population in addressing their grievances.”
Bharat Bank former chairman Vasudev R Kotian, Billawar Association vice president Bhaskar M Salian, honorary chief treasurer Bhaskar V Bangera were present on the occasion.
Renowned critic Dr K Raghunat introduced the award recipient.
M B Kukyan in his welcome address said that the editorial committee has not crossed limit of freedom set by parent organization Billawar Association and were able to maintain secularity in its operation. It is significant that ‘Akshaya’ has a large readership in Gujarat, said Kukyan.
Dr Eshwar Alevoor introduced the dignitaries. Harish K Hejamady read the citation letter. Nityanand D Kotian compered the programme.
The members of local committees of Billawar Association staged variety of cultural shows as part of entertainment programme. Dharmesh Salian compered the cultural programmes, while Jyoti K Suvarna proposed vote of thanks.