Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Dec 22: The State Kannada and Culture Department, Chinnara Loka, and Chinnara Loka Seva Bandhu, in collaboration with the local community, organised the Karavali Kalotsava, which includes a cultural festival and amusement park at the Golden Park Ground on B C Road.

On Saturday evening, Dr M Mohan Alva, president of Alva's Education Foundation, Moodbidri was presented with the Karavali Saurabha state award.

While accepting the award, Dr Mohan Alva, in his speech, emphasised the importance of utilising the youth force positively for national development, stating, "Youth power is the greatest strength of the nation, and we need to use it constructively."

He also reflected on how society's perception has changed over time and the anxieties about the future. He stressed that human resources are India's most valuable asset.

The programme was presided over by Raghunath Somayaji, administrator of Panemangalore Sri Bhayankeshwara Sadashiva Temple. Professor Tukaram Poojari, president of the Bantwal Rani Abbakka Tulu Study Center, delivered the congratulatory speech, praising Dr Mohan Alva as a cultural icon and role model for his simplicity and personality, which resemble those of great national figures.

The event also saw the presence of key figures such as Ashwinikumar Rai, a lawyer from B C Road, Chandrahasa D Shetty, president of the Bantwal Taluk Bunts Sangha, Sudarshan Jain, president of Karavali Kalotsava, Diya Rao, president of Chinnara, and Mohandas Kottari, chief coordinator.

The event began with a welcome by B Devadas Shetty, former president of Buda, and vote of thanks by committee member Premnath Shetty. The event concluded with a special dance performance.