Government is supporting all academies: Palemar

Government is supporting all academies: Palemar

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, August 16, 2010: District-in-charge Minister Krishna Palemar said that the government is extending all possible support to Yakshagana Academy, Beary Sahitya Academy, Kannada Sahitya Academy, and Tulu Sahitya Academy, which are striving hard to preserve and protect their culture. He was addressing the audience at the Children’s Konkani Talent Show organized by the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy held at Town Hall on Aug 16, Monday. 

He further explained that the government, which was earlier sanctioning only Rs. 20 lakh to various academies, is now sanctioning Rs. 40 lakhs of which Rs. 5 lakhs is earmarked for fellowships. 

Expressing his appreciation of the Konkani Sahitya Academy, he said that its programmes are becoming famous throughout the state. He also said that the Konkani-speaking communities of the coastal belt are more culture-oriented compared to other communities. 

The minister suggested that the academies should not limit themselves to working for the development of language and culture, but should also give importance to the development of Konkani literature. He also called upon the academies to adopt the cultures of other communities while working for the development of the language and culture of their communities. He also urged the academies to organize eco friendly programmes such as cleaning, planting saplings, and so on to protect nature and the environment. 

President of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Kundapur Narayan Kharvi presided over the programme. Addressing the gathering, he regretted that children do not opt to study Konkani in schools and called up each member of the Konkani-speaking community to speak in Konkani with their children. 

Dr. Mukund Prabhu, the senior researcher; Philomena Lobo, the principal of District Education and Training Centre; and B. R. Bhat, the general manager of Corporation Bank, were the chief guests of the event. C. L. Shenoy, the trustee of Venkataramana Temple; Fr. Wilson D’Souza, the director of Catholic Board of Education; and Umesh Mallya, the headmaster of Canara High School, were the guests of honor. 

Mangalpady Namadev Shenoy, the member convener; and S. H. Shivarudrappa, the registrar of the academy, were also present.