Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 11: Kambala is an asset of our country and a symbol of our culture, and preserving this traditional sport is not the responsibility of a few but of everyone, said Karnataka deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar.

He was speaking after participating in the fourth annual floodlit Lava-Kusha Kambala festival held at Naringana on January 11.

“Setting aside caste, religion and political differences, you have protected and nurtured the wealth of this land. By watching, encouraging and supporting kambala held day and night, you have ensured that this tradition survives and grows. For this, all of you deserve appreciation,” he said.

Legislative Assembly speaker U T Khader, who presided over the programme, said that kambala is not merely a form of entertainment but a traditional folk sport of the coastal region that reflects the spirit of harmony of this land. He stressed the need to preserve and carry forward the kambala tradition and added that the government too should extend financial support to encourage the sport.

Manil seer Sri Mohanadas Swamiji delivered the blessings.

Tourism minister H K Patil, speaking on the occasion, said the enthusiasm of the people participating in kambala itself highlights its cultural importance. He announced that from next year, the government would provide tourism grants of Rs 5 lac each to 24 kambala events, in line with efforts to preserve the cultural heritage. The announcement, he said, was made keeping in mind the importance of culture and following the initiative of Assembly speaker U T Khader.

Among those present were minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, Legislative Council member Manjunath Bhandary, AICC secretary Srinivas, youth leader Mithun Rai, district kambala committee president Deviprasad Shetty, DK district SDCC Bank president Dr M N Rajendra Kumar, Karwar MLA Satish, Chikkamagaluru MLA Raju Gowda, former minister Ramanath Rai, Yenepoya University chancellor Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, Kanachur educational institutions president Kanachur Monu, MRG Group president Prakash Shetty, Youth Congress president Ibrahim Nawaz, leaders Manjunath, Munialu Uday Kumar Shetty, Kudroli constituency Padmanar R Poojary, Nigam Bhandary, Beltangady’s Rakshit Shivaram, Inayat Ali, Mala Narayan, Prakash Kanchan and others.

During the programme, several achievers were honoured, including cooperation ratna awardees T G Rajaram Bhat and Dr Aikal Devi Prasad Shetty, kambala committee honorary president Mittakodi Venkappa Kajav, Rajyotsava awardee Shantaram Shetty, kabaddi player Dhanalakshmi Poojary, sports achiever Bhaskar Devadiga Byndoor, Ganesh Pambada Bayaru, academic achiever Apeksha Pundikayi and karate exponent Ayesha.

Working president Prashanth Kajav welcomed the gathering. Journalists Satish Pundikayi and Abdul Razak Kukkaje compered the programme.