Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (EP)

Bantwal, Nov 12: “Literature and print media have been conducive and supportive of each other. The print media has held the readers tight, protecting the world of literature,” said Bantwal taluk 22nd Kannada conference president, retired principal, journalist, author professor Balakrishna Gatti. He was speaking after presiding over the two day long 22nd Kannada literary conference held at Amunje aided school in the taluk.

“Literature has become lively as newspapers have kept the interest of literature among the readers alive. Authors, journalists, teachers, parents and students should try together to increase the number of readers,” he said.

“The part played by newspapers in the survival of literature is huge. The interest in literature can be multiplied by writing articles to newspapers and letters to the editor. Journalists can become excellent authors by improving their language and style of writing,” he said.

“Agriculture, commerce, business, literature and cultural activities have been a natural boon for Bantwal. There are ample opportunities for the growth of agriculture, business and commerce here. People here are well educated, creative and adventurous and have values. The love, humility, patience, and compassion among them are widening their minds and inspiration,” he said.

“Agriculture here is not an occupation but culture. Farmers work here during storms and scorching sunshine. The sacrifice is equal to the soldiers that protest the country’s borders and people,” he said.

Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik inaugurated the conference. He said that the government has created a new record by holding Koti Kanta Gayana as part of Kannada Rajyotsava. Author Sandhya Shenoy in her keynote address said that we should become great human beings before becoming great authors. “Language becomes stronger as it grows. We should give up our love of English so that Kannada may become stronger,” she said.

Bantwal taluk panchayat EO Rajanna, education convener Sujatha Kumari, former conference president Dr M Suresh Negalaguli, Polali Rajarajeshwari temple managing trustee Dr A Manjayya Shetty, retired principal Gundilaguthu Shanker Shetty, Taluk Billava Samaja Seva Samithi president Sesappa Kotian Pechinadka, Ammunjeguthu Jeevaraja Shetty, Devadas Hegde, BJP Bantwal president Devappa Poojary, PDO Triveni, Mallika, Kannada Sahitya Parishat state representative Madhava M K were the guests of honour.

Kannada Sahitya Parishat district president Dr M P Srinath spoke. Taluk president Vishwanath Bantwal’s wife Rekha Vishwanath gave an introduction. Journalist Ibrahim Adkastala introduced the conference president. Welcome committee chief convener Abubacker Ammunje and Janardhan Ammunje led the programme. Ramananda Nujippad and Ravindra Kukkaje compered the programme.

Ammunje Vinayaka Janardan Sadashiva temple managing trustee D A Nagesh Rao inaugurated the exhibition in the afternoon. Author Ramesh Ammunje inaugurated the book stall.