Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (CLP)

Mangalore, Oct 13: The first ever joint press meet of Karnataka Tulu, Beary, Konkani, Kodava Sahitya academy and Karnataka Arebashe Sanskriti and Sahitya academy presidents was organized at Hotel Srinivas, here on Monday October 13.

All cultural associations came together and explained their mission and vision of preserving the culture and languages of the state collectively.

B A Mohammad Hanif president of Karnataka Beary Sahitya academy briefed the press regarding the activities of Sahitya academy and their importance in the present society. He said, "Karnataka government has established seven language academies and six cultural academies in the state. It is a prime responsibility of these academies to promote and save the culture and languages of the state. Tulu, Beary and Konkani Sahitya academies are centred in and around Mangalore and Kodava Sahitya academy and Karnataka Arebashe Sanskriti and Sahitya Academy are deep rooted in Madikeri".

"District administration has included Tulu, Beary, Konkani, Karnataka Arebashe Sahitya academy in the decision making committee and asked our collaboration in Karavali Utsav which is indeed a very good news. We also request to district administration to include Kodava Sahitya academy in decision making committee?.

"We have planned to organize joint cultural Utsav and programmes in Madikeri, Sullia and Puttur regions in the coming days. Government of Karnataka has also asked our opinion in shortlisting the candidates for Rajyotsava awards, the second highest civilian honour award of the state".

"We are also planning to have a joint ?Convention 2015? a cultural extravaganza next year in month of April or May in Mangalore. To mark unity and togetherness for the coming years of working together, we have organized the first ever joint press meet today", he informed.

Roy Castelino, president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya academy, said, "The government has allotted Rs 65 lac for Sahitya academy to organize cultural programmes. If the government raises the funds to Rs one crore, we can reach to all parts of Karnataka and effectively organize the programmes. We have also shortage of permanent staffs. We appoint many on temporary basis during the events. This is the reason why funds are not fully utilized".

Janaki Brahmavar, president, Karnataka Tulu Sahitya academy, Biddathanda Thammaiah, president of Kodava Sahitya academy and Girish Kollya Karnataka Arebashe Sanskriti and Sahitya academy president and members of Karnataka Tulu, Beary, Konkani, Kodava Sahitya academy and members of Karnataka Arebashe Sanskriti and Sahitya academy were also present during the press meet.