Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)
Mangaluru, Jul 22: 'Sangama Sambhrama-2015′ a five-day cultural and state-level conference organized jointly by Karnataka Tulu, Konkani and Beary Sahitya Academies, was inagurated by A B Ibrahim, deputy commissioner (DC) of Dakshina Kannada district at Dr Shivaram Karanth Pilikula Nisargadhama, Vamanjoor here on Wednesday July 22.
A B Ibrahim inagurated the event in a unique way by drawing on a canvas paper. B A Mohammed Haneef, president of Beary Sahitya Academy welcomed the guests.
In his inaugural address A B Ibrahim said, "Three Academies coming together is a sign of unity. Dakshina Kannada district has a cultural history of around 2000 years. In the past there was unity in diversity, the difference between the rich and the poor was narrow, but nowadays we see some forces trying to divide the society. We have to organize more such programmes in order to promote harmony.
"We need to spread positive news of the district to other states. The image of the district has been damaged due to communal clashes and pub attacks. When we organize more cultural programmes and a good impression is created in the media, the investment in the district will rise and will create more job opportunities. We have to show case the quality of entrepreneurship. When the three religions with their cultural differences come together and organize cultural events, it becomes a positive fusion."
In his presidential speech, M S Murthy, chairman of Karnataka Lalitha Kala Academy said, "Karnataka government is spending more than Rs 300 crore on cultural programmes, which is the highest in the country. It is the resposibility of the Academy presidents to make good use of the public money. From the past eight months 25 art programmes have been organized in the state. For the first time an art programme has been initiated in the district by the Lalitha Kala Academy. It is an amazing moment when the best artists of the district come together and showcase their art. All the art works done by the artists will be distributed to Karnataka Tulu, Konkani and Beary Sahitya Academies."
Prabhakar Sharma, executive director Pilikula Nisargadhama, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Roy Castelino, Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy president Janaki Brahmavar, registrars of Konkani, Beary and Tulu Academies Dr B Devadas Pai, Umarabba and Chandrahas Rai respectively were present.