Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal
Bantwal, Jan 5: Senior linguist and scholar, Vidwan Hiranaya Venkateshwara Bhat, emphasised that Dakshina Kannada stands out for its number of universities in Karnataka and its invaluable contributions to education and literature. Along with its academic excellence, the district has played a significant role in Kannada literature and culture.
Speaking at the valedictory function of the 23rd Bantwal Taluk Kannada Literary Conference, organised by the Dakshina Kannada District Kannada Sahitya Parishat’s Bantwal unit, Bhat noted that the Manchi-Kolnadu Government High School has been a stronghold of literature and was even the venue for the first Yakshagana conference in the region. The event was conducted in collaboration with the senior student association of the school.
Dr M P Shrinath, president of the Dakshina Kannada Kannada Sahitya Parishat, presided over the event.
The chief guest, veteran writer Muliya Shankar Bhat, emphasised that Kannada thrives when it is embraced by those who love the language, making it the essence of every home. He expressed pride in leading the highly successful literary conference, made possible by the collective efforts of everyone involved.
The ceremony also witnessed the presence of distinguished personalities such as senior advocate Ashwinikumar Rai, president of Manchi Dharma Jagarana Pratishthana Kaiyooru Narayana Bhat, Belthangady Taluk Panchayat executive officer Bhavanishankar, progressive farmer Kulalu Girish Bhandari, ex-serviceman Ranganath Rai Biliyuruguttu, District Religious Forum member Jagannath Chouta Badigudde, Swagata Samiti president Satish Kumar Alva Ira-Baalike, and others.
During the event, the commemorative publication of the conference was symbolically released. Several contributors to the event’s success were honoured.
Ramanand Noojippadi, honorary secretary of KASAP Bantwal, extended the welcome address, and M D Manchi, general secretary of the Welcome Committee, delivered the vote of thanks. Teachers Vijayalakshmi Kattilu and Rashmitha Suresh Jogibettu conducted the proceedings.
Impact of globalisation and urbanisation on human life
Dr Veena A. Tolepadi, a well-known physician, discussed the implications of globalisation, urbanisation, and liberalisation on the nation’s economy at the 23rd Bantwal Taluk Kannada Literary Conference. She highlighted how these factors have contributed to the decline in human living standards.
In her lecture on stress management in medical literature, Dr Tolepadi stressed that children today are becoming increasingly isolated, with their childhood being sacrificed for the sake of economic growth.
Anusuya Rao, a renowned speaker, gave a lecture on “Manchi's contribution to the regional language and culture."
The event was also attended by Muliya Shankar Bhat, the conference president; Devaappa Shekh Pilyadke, president of Bunts Sangha Saletthuru; senior Yakshagana artiste Ashok Shetty Sarapadi; P Muhammad, president of Panemangalore Hobli; Zaffrin Domenej Rodrigues; retired RTO Vishwanath Nayak Komali; Shivaprasad Shetty; and other notable figures.
The conference was inaugurated by Jayanand Peraje, with Rashmitha Mani delivering the vote of thanks. Aravind Kudla hosted the event.
Poetry recitation, music performance
The 23rd Bantwal Taluk Kannada Literary Conference at the Manchi Government High School featured a vibrant poetry session, blending recitations, singing, and performance arts.
In the absence of the scheduled poetry session president, Muliya Shankar Bhat, the chief president of the conference, took on the role of presiding officer.
In his address, Abdul Razak Ananthadi, a renowned speaker, emphasised the importance of focusing on creative writing. He stressed the need for writers to appreciate fellow poets’ work and cultivate a heart that embraces the writings of others.
The poetry session featured poets including M P Basheer Ahmad Bantwal, D N Umanna Kokkapuni, Geeta S Konkodi, Ravindra (Kalapriya) Kukkeje, Ganesh Prasad Pandelu, Ashok Kadeshwalia, Shashikala Bhaskar Daila Bakrabaile, Abubakar Ammunje, Pratima Tumbe, and others, who read out their poems.
The musical performance segment saw Praveen Jaya Vitla, Dharan Mani, Yogesh Alva Puddotu, and Kavya Shree Gadiyara enthrall the audience with their melodies.
Creative art performances by Balakrishna Shetty Khandiga, Taranath Kairangala, Murali Krishna Rao, and Muralidhar Acharya added an emotional touch to the event.
Ganesh Prasad Pandelu, president of the Vitla Hobli Kannada Sahitya Parishat, hosted the event, while Ramesh Melkar delivered the vote of thanks.