Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Nov 1: Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the district, Priyanka Mary Francis, said that Kannada Nadu, which came into being with the integration of areas having Kannada language as mother tongue, is specially unique as far as its culture, art, and heritage are concerned.

She was speaking after inaugurating a programme organized at Mahatma Gandhi open air theatre at Beedinagudde here by the district administration to celebrate Kannada Rajyotsava on Wednesday November 1. "Kannada is not confined to being simply a language. It is the meaning for the lives of the citizens here. Everything from language, heritage, culture, literature etc of Karnataka has the rich flavour of Kannada in them," she noted.

"Successive lineages of kings which ruled our state provided impetus to the growth of Kannada language, traditions, art, literature, plays, music, sculpture and culture. Democratically elected governments too have contributed immensely to Kannada by taking it as their social responsibility," she added.

She noted that Udupi district, which has emerged as a hub of higher education, happens to be the birth place of banking industry, and known for its temples and archaeological spots. It also is home to unique St Mary's island, Kollur temple, Lord Bahubali statue Mahamastakabhisheka, Krishna Janmashtami and Laksha Deepotsava of Udupi and Bhootaradhane, she added. She also expressed happiness at the fact that people speaking different languages and belonging to different religions live here harmoniously.

Additional deputy commissioner, Vidya Kumari, zilla panchayat chief executive officer, Shivanand Kapashi, superintendent of police of the district, Laxman Nimbargi, municipal commissioner, Anand Kallodikar, additional superintendent of police, Kumara Chandra, district Kannada Sahitya Parishad president, Nilavar Surendra Adiga, and others were present.