Silvester D’ Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Nov 23: “The life of show and pomp will not take us to civilization. We should root out differences identified and grown by us within us and walk on the path shown by Gandhiji to make the dream of strong nation a reality,” said former IPS officer Annamalai.

He inaugurated four-day long cartoon festival at Kundapur Rotary Kala Mandira on Saturday, November 23, and delivered a speech on the theme ‘Gandhi-150 Ishwar Allah There Naam’.

“Religious differences are rising in our country. It should be accepted that we had grown them when we got independence from the British. The British divided the country on the basis of religion with the feelings of Hindu and Muslims. Gandhiji objected to the division and resorted to fast until death protests. Religious leaders who were peaceful in freedom struggle sowed the seeds of religious hatred soon after independence. Youth should accept this truth. We should walk on the path laid down by Gandhiji learning the lessons taught by him for the formation of strong country,” he said.

“Proud to see that entire team of cartoonists is here in Kundapur,” he said.

“There are many who make us angry asking our language wherever we go. Cartoonist Sathish Acharya makes us laugh by sharp lines. I keep laughing looking at his cartoons. We have followed British way of education. Children were knowing life in Gurukula model of teaching. But that system is not prevalent now. We can preserve our identity only if it returns,” he said.

Kannada medium primary school Kasargod film director Rishab Shetty congratulated the students. Children of four Kannada medium schools in Kundapur had arrived with their teachers and had increased the shine of the programme. One of the students presented rose to Rishab Shetty and congratulated him. Another student congratulated him writing compliments. Veteran cartoonist V G Narendra and powelifter Vishwanath Ganiga were felicitated.

Gandhi study center Manipal director Varadesh Hiregange, film producer Yakub Khader Gulvadi and cartoon festival organizer Sathish Acharya were present.