from special correspondent
with inputs and pics from Mahesh Puchchampady
for Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia (mb)

Sullia, Jan 7: The Sullia taluk unit of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat held its 14th meet in Bellare in the taluk on Saturday, January 5.

The auditorium was named after Panneguttu Narayan Shekha and the dais was named after Nidmar Damodar Mandechcha.

Noted story-writer K Veerabhadrappa inaugurated the session and stressed that the languages unveiled the various dimensions of culture. He also rued the fact that because of globalization, the cultural flavour of languages was being lost forever.

Dr Prabhakar Shishila presided over the session and gave a call to Kannadigas to develop a sense of pride for their language and also requested the elected representatives to assist in the conservation of the language.

Mangalore Lok Sabha member D V Sadananda Gowda expressed concern that human relationships were becoming rarer in the process of development and personal prestige taking precedence. In these circumstances, he felt, languages were playing an important role in re-establishing the bonds. He admitted that Karnataka's politicians had collectively failed to earn a national place of honour for Kannada. He also expressed his pessimism over such a task being accomplished in the future too.

Noted Kannada novelist and author Na (Norbert) D'Souza, speaking at the valedictory function, pointed out that it had been a long-standing demand of Kannadigas to obtain a national status for Kannada. If politicians themselves said that it was not easy to achieve this goal, it was a matter of grave concern for everyone. Hence, he further said, it was not necessary to leave this mission on politicians' shoulder, but instead, the people themselves should carry on this fight. He concluded saying the literature enhances experience, imagination and feelings of co-existence.

Former Sullia MLA S Angara, taluk panchayat president Shankar Peraje, Bellare gram panchayat chairperson Wahida Ismail, former Sahitya Sammelana president Dr Chandrashekhar Damle were present at the inaugural function.

Ramanand Kamath, H Gopalakrishna and Sandhya Shenoy of Su Ha Sam group of Udupi took part in the session of humour. Story-writer S Divakar took part in the discussions. Writer Bhuvaneshwari Hegde and humour poet Dundiraj also were present.

Literary enthusiasts from various corners of the taluk participated in thousands in the meet.