Kochi: Seventh All India Kannada Cultural Convention, a Rich Treat for Kannadigas 
by Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Kochi (VA) 

Kochi, Apr 4: The Yakshagana,  Bharathanatyam arts of Karnataka and Kasargod have a strong relationship with Kathakali dance form of Kerala, said Dr Mahesh Joshi, senior director of Doordarshan, Bangalore.

He was speaking after inaugurating the seventh All-India Kannada Cultural Convention organized jointly by Cochin Kannada Sangha and Hrudayavahini magazine, Mangalore at the Town Hall here, recently.

He said that the he would urge the Karnataka Government to honour the Cochin Kannada Sangha with Rajyotsava award for its contribution to the field from past 47 years. The’ Madhura Madhuravee Manjulagana’ which is being telecasted in Doordarshan will be conducted in Cochin, he informed. 

Veteran Kannada writer of Mumbai, G D Joshi presided over the convention. He said that culture is self-learning. The convention is an amalgamation of science, logic and generosity. He stressed that there is a great need to preserve the age-old culture and traditions of Karnataka and it is the duty of the people to create awareness about it. Kannadigas need to be passionate about their language and culture, he added

The convention committee president K P Manjunath said that the purpose of organizing the convention is to build a bond between the two cultures. Dubai entrepreneur Sathish Ventarman of Chilli Villy said that such conventions are an inspiration to the people residing outside India. 

Cochin Kannada Sangha president Shrikanth Anavatti, in his welcome address, acknowledged all those responsible for the success of the convention. 

After the stage programme, a poet’s meet was held under the leadership of N K Prasad, Mysore. Veteran poet, M B Kudari co-ordinated the meet. Poets like V K Pal, I T Pattar, N C Ranganath, Poornima Murthy and Padmavathi Chandru among others participated. This was followed by a limerick by Dr Basavaraj Banni and Srinivas Kariyappa. A language harmony meet was held under the presidentship of Sri Atmaswaroopananda Swamiji. The convention featured various cultural and entertainment programmes.