9th All India Kannada Cultural Convention at Surat Emphasizes Unity
Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
Surat (Gujarat), Nov 4: "Kannadigas who have migrated across the border of Karnataka are dedicated to their language, and this forum proves that such Kannadigas are the real sons of Kannadambe, they live with linguistic harmony in their workplaces," said veteran litterateur D R Sunitha in her presidential address during the 9th All India Kannada Cultural Convention held at Surat in collaboration with Karunda Sangha Surat and Hruduyavahini Monthly, Mangalore on Saturday November 3.
"Kannadigas have strong blood relationship with Kannada. This convention is a testimony to the fact that the language and culture of Karnataka is alive," she added.
"Scholars opine that any nation in the world gives first preference to culture, and next to language. Language is a reflection of culture, and hence language and culture are mutually related. The Kannadigas who are scattered widely around the world have reached the great heights, and Kannada language is a model to other languages. The world has identified the contribution of Kannadigas in Information Technology. The reason behind the success of Kannadigas is that they mingle easily with other cultures. Everything can be achieved through the harmony and not ego. This kind of convention further strengthens our bond," she said.
Navsari Lok Sabha MP C R Patel inaugurated the convention by lighting the lamp, Surat mayor Rajendra Babu Desai, M L, Samaga president of Karnataka Yakshagana Bayalata Academy, Kala Ratna Dr N Rama Reddy, Bangalore were the guests.
"Kannadigas are good organizers and patriots; they promote unity through language and culture. The unity of Kannadigas will be strengthened with this convention," said R C Patel.
On behalf of the convention, a poets' meet was held in collaboration with Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy. The meet was presided over by Prof M B Kuduri. Yakub Kadhar Gulwadi, Balakrishna Shetty Vapi, Wajid Bhanu Bangerpette, Kopparum Annapurna, Mamatha Malehar and Nagesh Bellery recited their poetry.
Dollu Kunitha by Shivappa Naika women's team, variety entertainment by Vapi Kannada Sangha artistes were part of the cultural event. Surat Kannada Sangha members performed folk and film dances, children performed Bharatanatyam, bollywood dance, western dance and devotional songs. ‘Avatharagalu’ play of Dr Sidhalingayya was staged under the direction of Ganesh M Heggodu, Nupura art institution of Dharwad institution performed a dance skit under the direction B S Brinda.
K P Manjunath in his introductory note said, "There are more than 40,000 Kannadagas in this state. Several pro Kannada organizations are working actively and serving Kannadambe. To support literature and culture in Surat poets' meet, comedy extravaganza, press conference and conference of migrant Kannadigas have been organized."
Prabhakar S Suvarna, Arvindha N V, vice-presidents of Karunda Sangha, honorary chief secretary Anitha Acharya, assistant secretaries Vanitha Shetty, Santhosh V Shetty, Radhakrishna Mallya, Raju Adakalli, Yakoob Kadhar Gulvadi, Shrinivas Kariappa and all representatives of Mandya were present on the occasion.
Go Na Swamy Bangalore, Shashikala Rao, Michel Madtha and Rajeek Shrinath Rao compered, Rajani Shetty thanked the gathering.