The Hindu

• Ekikarna award presented to Kayyara Kinhanna Rai, Perla Krishna Bhat 
• `Seek implementation of Mahajan report'
• 'Karnataka is progressing in all spheres'

Mangalore, Jan 21: Passage of time and failure by successive governments to press for implementation of Mahajan Commission report seeking integration of Kasaragod with Karnataka has not diminished their belief that the integration should come about. Kayyara Kinhanna Rai, senior writer, and Perla Krishna Bhat, senior Yakshagana exponent, wish to see their dream come true.

The two expressed their conviction on the issue when I M Vittalmurthy, Secretary, Kannada and Culture, conferred them with Karnataka Ekikarna award, on behalf of Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, at their residences in Kasaragod taluk near here on Saturday.

Rai and Bhat could not make it to Bangalore when Kumaraswamy presented the awards to other winners on Kannada Rajyotsava Day.

Observing that the award was symbolic of the Government's appreciation of the work done by all those selected for the award, Vittalmurthy said it was time for introspection on the path trodden by the State since its formation 50 years ago.

Karnataka is progressing in all spheres. The award was a reflection of the State marching ahead as a unit, he said.

Rai, who recalled the struggle launched by those aiming for Kasargod's integration with Karnataka, said Kannada, and would obtain "moksha" when "Kasaragod jeevathma" was integrated with "Karnataka paramatma". Bhat appealed to the Government to ensure that the dream of all Kannadigas in Kasaragod did not die down.

He also urged the State to seek implementation of Mahajan Commission report.