Stephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod

Kasargod, Dec 11: A colourful procession depicting a number of communities was the highlight of the ongoing 'Vishwa Tuluvere Ayono' in Badiadka here on Sunday December 11.

The festival aimed at celebrating the rich culture and tradition of Tulunadu began on Friday December 9, but the formal inauguration took place on Sunday.

The vibrant procession was a unique amalgamation of 60 communities. The procession began from Navajeevana school and passed through Badiadka town, culminating at Bolukatte ground, the event venue.

On December 9, the event was flagged off at Tuluveshwara Chavadi, Nagabemmare Padavu in Badiadka

The formal stage programme was inaugurated by Kerala revenue minister E Chandrasekharan.

Addressing the gathering, Chandrasekharan said, "Language is not paramount, what is important is the feeling that we are all one. Languages are meant for exchanging each other's views and opinions."

Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes, who was the chief guest, stressed on the need for continuous effort towards inclusion of Tulu language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.

Tuluvere Ayono president Sarvotham Shetty presided over the programme.

Kasargod MLA N A Nellikunhu, Karnataka Tulu Academy president Janaki Brahmavar, Manikanta Swamiji of Kanyana Balekodi Shilanjana Kshetra, entrepreneur and film producer Frank Fernandes, Subbayya Rai, Dharmapal Devadiga, Vasant Shetty Bellare, A C Bhandary, Tonse Jayakrishna Shetty, Shashidhar Shetty and many others were present.

Oscar Fernandes released a Tulu dictionary compiled by Dr Sridharan of Kannur. A calendar in Tulu script was released by Chandrasekharan.

Vasant Shetty Bellare, L V Amim and Usman Hayat were felicitated on the occasion.

The Vishwa Tuluvere Ayono will culminate on December 13. The event comprises workshops, literary seminars, cultural programmes, folk festival, meets, exhibitions, rural sports and so on.