Rons Bantwal for Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (AF)

Mumbai, Apr 10: ‘Samskriti Sahityotsava’ was jointly organized by Tulu Sahitya Academy, Mumbai University Kannada department and Billawara Association as part of Suvarna Karnataka celebrations at Billawara Bhavan, Santa Cruz (east) here recently.

The programme was presided over by Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy president Seetaram Kulal.

Billawara Association vice-president Y Nagesh inaugurated the programme. Tulu Sahitya Academy registrar S H Shivarudrappa was the guest of honour.

Director of the movie ‘Sudda’ P S Ramachandra was felicitated on the occasion by Kulal. ‘Samshodhana Suchi’ edited by Srimusali was released on the occasion.

Mumbai Univeristy Kannada department head Dr Taltaje Vasantkumar welcomed the gathering while Billawara Association honorary chief secretary Nityanand D Kotian compered.

A seminar was held on the occasion which was presided over by Dr Basavaraj Nellisara. Dr Gananath Ekkar spoke on ‘Tulu Literature’ while Dr Vishwanath Karnad gave a talk on ‘Tulu Culture’ and Prof Tukaram Poojary spoke on ‘Karnataka Unification.’

A multi-lingual poetry session was also held as part of the programme, presided over by Dr Sunita M Shetty. Poets Shimunje Parari, Kodu Boja Shetty, Rons Bantwal, Dr Karunakar Shetty, Mariappa Natekar, Mohidin Mundkur, Dr Raghuveer Bhat, Dr Nitin Mehra, V S Shanbhag, Gangadhar Paniyoor and others presented their works on the occasion. Journalist and writer Eshwar Alevoor compered.

The valedictory programme was presided over by Billawara Association president Jaya C Suvarna. Entertainment programmes included various displays of art forms and painting exhibition relating to Tulu movie ‘Sudda’.