Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jan 16: To promote literature and foster a reading culture, an international-level book and literary festival is being planned on the premises of the Karnataka State Vidhana Soudha, announced the Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, U T Khader.
He made this announcement while attending the book launch event for Baap Natto Mara, authored by poet Alikunji Pare, at Vidyarathna School in Derlakatte on Tuesday. The event was organized by Beary Elthkar-Kalavidamaro Koota (Meltane). The book was released by Syed Mukhtar Thangal Kumbol, who commended Pare's dedication to literature.
Speaking on the occasion, Speaker Khader emphasized that literature is an integral part of human life and there is always an audience for quality literary work. He lauded Alikunji Pare for his notable contributions to literature.
The event was presided over by Meltane president V Ibrahim Nadupadavu, while B A Muhammadali Kammaradi introduced the book to the audience. Other speakers included Dr Abubakar Siddique, coordinator of the Beary Study Chair, WEF president Muhammadali Uchill from Abu Dhabi, and Vidyaratna School president K. Ravindra Shetty.
The dais also featured notable personalities like Abuswalih Pare, K M Abubakar Siddique Montugoli, and others from the Pare family. A poetry session was held under the chairmanship of Madani PU College's retired principal, Ismail T. Poems were recited by poets such as Basheer Ahmad Kinya, Hussain Katipalla, Shameem Kuttikkal, and Ashiruddin Sartbail.
Meltane office bearers, including Muhammad Basha Natekal, Ashraf Derlakatte, Siddique S Raj, B M Muttalib, Aseef Babbukatte, Riaz Mangalore, and others, as well as local dignitaries and community leaders, graced the occasion.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from former Meltane president Mansoor Ahmad Samani and program hosting by general secretary Hamza Malar.