Rons Bantwal
Panaji (Goa), Apr 15: In a vibrant celebration of language, culture and identity, the 21st National Kannada Conference was held in Panaji, bringing together scholars, artistes and community leaders from across the country. Dr Subramani (Pallavi Mani), president of the conference, underscored the deeper essence of Kannada, calling upon the community to remain rooted in its linguistic and cultural heritage.
Addressing the gathering at the Vishnu Nayak Auditorium in Ashoka Plaza during the one-day conference held on April 12, she said that service to one’s land and language is among the noblest of pursuits and shapes an individual’s sense of purpose and fulfilment.
“Kannada is not merely a language; it is our identity, our breath, and our emotion. Kannadigas have a rich tradition of coexistence and compassion. They are settled across the world—whether in other states or abroad—and wherever they are, they must remain indebted to the land they live in while preserving and promoting our language, art, and culture for future generations. Only then does life gain true meaning,” she said in her presidential address.
The conference was jointly organised by Hridayavahini Mangaluru, Manjunath Education Trust (R), the Department of Kannada and Culture, Bengaluru, and Kadamba Pratishthan, Goa, drawing participation from a wide cross-section of the Kannada diaspora.
Mahantesh Mahajan, Honorary President of the Conference Committee and Managing Director of MNS Agro Private Limited, inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The inaugural function was presided over by M.A. Mammi Gatti, Chairman of the Universal Filmmakers Council.
Among the prominent attendees were retired engineer Shamsuddin associated with the Mangaluru water supply project, Raichur-based businessman E. Anjaneya, Srinivas Pai, editor of Goa Kesari, and Balesh Kannadiga, bank officer and President of Kadamba Pratishthan, Goa. Nagaraj R.B., Executive Engineer of the Mangaluru City Corporation, was present as a special invitee.
In recognition of notable contributions across various fields, the “Hridayavantaru Award–2026” was conferred on Dr Shiny Grace, Rudrayya Swami Hiremath, Basavaraj H., and Mrs Bheemavva Bellad Bagewadi.
The conference also showcased a rich cultural line-up, reflecting Karnataka’s artistic diversity. Internationally acclaimed comedian Mahadev Sattigeri regaled the audience with his signature humour, while dance ensembles from Sri Sai Raman Kala Kendra (Tumakuru), Bhargavi Academy of Fine Arts (Bengaluru), and Rathika Hadagali and troupe (Dharwad) presented Bharatanatyam, folk and thematic performances. Amulya Sujith and Anu Anand delivered semi-classical and Bharatanatyam recitals, and children from Panaji added colour with a lively fashion show.
More than 100 artistes from Karnataka participated in the cultural segment, offering a vibrant blend of music, dance and performance. A karaoke troupe from the Officers’ Club, Mangaluru, featuring Nagaraju R.B., Shivaraj Pandeshwar, Shamsuddin, Jagadeesh Pai, Riyaz Mangaluru and Santoshi Raichur, entertained the audience, while artist Hema Patil presented a unique “Swara-Kuncha-Chitra” performance combining music and live painting.
The programme was compered by Poornima N. and Sagar T.S., while the welcome address was delivered by founding president Ing. K.P. Manjunath Sagar, bringing the well-attended event to a fitting and memorable close.