Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (AF)

Mangalore, Apr 2: The torch-bearers of Kannada language and culture including litterateurs, artistes and educationists were honoured at the ‘Gadi Samskritika Utsav’ and 'Aharotsav' held at Kadri Park here on Sunday April 1.

The event was organised by Kannada Development authority in association department of Kannada and Culture, state Tulu Sahitya Academy, state Konkani Sahitya Academy, district Kannada Sahitya Parishat and the district administration.

Litterateurs Kote Vasanth Kumar, Kaje Ishwar Bhat and Lakshmi Kunjathoor, dance artiste Vittal Master, folk artiste V Ga Nayak, Shankar Shetty, Mahila Okkuta president Premalatha Rao, musician Radha, Mahila Yakshagana team founder Ratna T K Bhat and dramatist Jeevanram Sullia were felicitated on the occasion in recognition of their contribution to Kannada literature and culture in their various fields.

Kannada Development Authority former president B M Idinabba addressing the gathering said that efforts to merge Kasargod district with Karnataka are still on.

The event was marked by programmes organised by RUDSETI and Sharana Sahitya Parishat. Various other cultural programmes like bhajans by Yogish Sharma and team, Konkani Janapada dance, Yakshagana performanaces were also held on the occasion.

Among those present were district Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Pradeep Kumar Kalkura and state Kannada Sahitya Parishat former president Harikrishna Punaroor.