Report and pic by Vinay Pais
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Oct 3: Presiding over the Onam celebrations held under the auspices of the local Kerala-Kannadigas cultural Association here, Kerala Sahitya Academy president Mukundan said that Keralites would always stand for co-existence wherever they go and settle. They provide living testimony to the adage, ‘live and let others live,’ he added.

He was speaking, after awarding 'Dr Kota Shivaram Karanth Award'. "Kerala is known for its highest rate of literacy in the country. Geographically, Kerala is a small state. But the newspaper circulation in the state exceeds 15 lac. This reflects the social awareness of Keralites. Despite the onslaught of globalization, the state of Kerala is still vibrant both with its Marxism and spiritualism," he added.

Moodbidri Alva's Foundation president Dr M Mohan Alva was felicitated with the prestigious 'Dr Kota Shivaram Karanth Award'. Expressing his gratitude for the honour bestowed, Dr Alva told the organizers, that out of the total strength of 8000 students who study in various educational institutions being run by the Foundation in Moodbidri, more than 3,500 students are from Kerala. He described Kerala as a the only state where awareness has been at the highest level, and that no other Indian state can claim this distinction. "It is heartening to note the existence of enduring cordial relationship between Keralites and the Kannadigas, that is going strong without being shaken," he added.

Kundapur town municipal president K Mohandas Shenoy complimented the organizers. K P Shreeshan presided over the function. Dr Parvathi Aithal introduced the chief guests. Writer Kota Shivananda Karanth read out the citation. K K Raman conducted the programme. Dr H S Malli proposed vote of thanks. The programme came to an end with a variety entertainment programme, presented by the students of Alva’s College.