Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 28: The 70th Karnataka Rajyotsava and the cultural fest Kalaspandana were celebrated with great grandeur at Srinivas University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Mukka.
The programme was inaugurated by the chief guest, Agari Raghavendra Rao, president of Agari Samsmarana Vedike and managing director of Agari Enterprises, by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The event was presided over by Dr K Satyanarayana Reddy, vice chancellor of Srinivas University.
Dr Ramakrishna N Hegde (dean of Srinivas University Institute of Engineering and Technology), Dr Jayashree Bolar (assistant registrar of Srinivas University), Dr Praveen B M (director of Research, Srinivas University), Prof Shrinath Rao K (convener of Karnataka Rajyotsava), Dr Asha Saraswathi B (convener of Kalaspandana), Prof Varsha A (co-convener, Kalaspandana), and student coordinators Himmat Kedar K T, Bharath, Rahul Nayak, and Kumari Arya Rao were present.
The celebrations commenced with a vibrant “Kannada Swabhimana Nadige” (Pride March of Kannada) organised from the National Highway to the main stage. Tractors, bikes, cars, hundreds of students, faculty members, non-teaching staff, and the chief guests participated enthusiastically, raising powerful slogans in support of Kannada language, identity and integrity.
In his keynote address, Dr Ramakrishna N Hegde (dean, SUIET) spoke about the rich heritage of Karnataka, its language, culture, linguistic unification, and the centuries-old legacy of the Kannada language. Dr Ramakrishna Hegde emphasised that today’s students are the Ambassadors of the future, and hence have the responsibility of preserving and promoting Kannada language and Culture. Drawing examples from countries such as China, Japan, and Germany, Dr Ramakrishna Hegde stressed the need to transform Kannada into a “Global Language of Entrepreneurship”.
Dr Hegde highlighted the importance of publishing Engineering and technical textbooks in Kannada language to benefit the students from rural areas and those studying in Kannada medium. Dr Hegde focused insight on the immense contributions of dynasties such as Chalukyas, Kadambas, Hoysalas and Wadiyars, whose architectural marvels, water management systems and construction techniques stand as testimony to ancient technological excellence.
Citing the contributions of Mysore Diwan Sheshadri Iyer, he urged students to address “Local Problems Using Local Language and Local Technology”, and to work towards affordable and practical solutions for the society. Dr Hegde called upon youth to enrich Kannada as a global entrepreneurial language while strengthening its culture.
Delivering the inaugural address, chief guest, Agari Raghavendra Rao congratulated the organisers and students for the magnificent pride march and the grand celebration of the 70th Karnataka Rajyotsava and Kalaspandana cultural extravaganza. Agari Raghavendra Rao applauded the efforts of an English-medium Engineering College for organising such an elaborate and grand Karnataka Rajyotsava, stating that it marked a Kannada cultural revolution at the Mukka campus.
Agari Raghavendra Rao urged the younger generation to take responsibility for strengthening the Kannada language., its culture and legacy. He emphasised that the preservation of language, art, literature and culture is a collective responsibility. He appealed for respect towards Kannada and Kannadigas, encouragement of Kannada poets and writers, and priority for Kannadigas in employment opportunities.
He highlighted that Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada districts are the cradle of Yakshagana, Karnataka’s rich traditional art form. He proudly mentioned that “Sri Devi Mahatme”, a Yakshagana prasanga authored in Kannada by his grandfather, Yaksha Brahma Shri Agari Srinivasa Bhagavata, consisting of 318 verses, holds a Guinness World Record for having highest number of global performances than Shakespeare’s plays.
Agari Raghavendra Rao concluded by motivating students to unite for the protection, growth and prosperity of Kannada and Kannadigas.
Guest of honour, Dr Jayashree Bolar spoke on the beauty, elegance and unity in diversity of the Kannada language and urged everyone to internalise the philosophy of “Elladaru Iru, Entadararu Iru, Endendigu Nee Kannadavagiru” (Wherever you are, whatever you become, always remain a Kannadiga) in their daily lives.
Guest of honour, Dr Praveen B M expressed that the spirit and resonance of Kannada would not be limited to a single day, but would continue to thrive throughout the year at the Mukka campus.
In his presidential address, vice-chancellor, Dr K Satyanarayana Reddy stated that Karnataka, with its proud heritage of language, culture and tradition, should continue to shine as a beacon of unity, coexistence and human values. Dr Satyanarayana Reddy called upon everyone to preserve and promote Kannada and pass its legacy on to future generations.
Convener of Karnataka Rajyotsava programme, Prof Shrinath Rao K delivered the welcome address and also introduced the chief guest.
Winners of various competitions organized in connection with Karnataka Rajyotsava were awarded prizes and certificates by the chief guests, with details presented by Prof Varsha A Shetty. Similarly, prizes for competitions held during the week-long Kalaspandana celebrations were distributed, with winner details announced by Prof Rameesa.
The programme was compered by Monica Gowda and Karisiddesh.
Convener of Kalaspandana, Dr Asha Saraswathi delivered the vote of thanks.
Dhanyashree Rao performed invocation with a Sanskrit shloka, while the state anthem was sung by Aishwarya Ramesh Nayak, Abhijna, Amulya S D, Shambhavi Nayak, Diya, Ananya V Naik, Diksha M Naik, Pooja, Megha Naik, Rakshitha, Tejaswini Malagi, Manasa and Nagashree.
Heads of departments, faculty members, non-teaching staff, and students were present in large numbers. Following the formal session, students presented cultural and entertainment programmes based on Kannada language and songs. After this, a three-hour entertainment competition themed “Bharat Vaibhaav” was organised with enthusiastic participation from students.
During the evening valedictory ceremony, winners were awarded trophies and certificates.