Dr. Veerendra Heggade inaugurates Lions Kannada Literary and Cultural Convention

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Dec 17: Kadri Hills Lions Club organized Lions Kannada Literary and Cultural Convention, the first literary event of its kind organized by the club, at Town Hall on Dec 17, Friday. Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade inaugurated the event and said in his inaugural speech that, although Kannada is richer than English, one cannot entirely ignore English.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stating that a number of Kannada litterateurs drew inspiration from English writers, he said that one must be grateful to English literature. Although English is the language of science, modern medicine, and technological advancement, one must speak Kannada in order to protect and preserve it, he said. Kannadigas understand one another better that people belonging to other states, he added.

H. Dundiraj, the renowned critic and satirist, presided over the event. In his address, he made the humorous remark that a little-known litterateur must say that he will consult his secretary or check his appointment book when approached to attend an event just to prove his status. Lauding DK for being a district of intelligent people who had made valuable contributions to art, education, poetry, and others, he lamented that the district is now becoming famous for communal violence and terrorist activities. He also urged people to protect and preserve Kannada in their homes.

Dr. Veerendra Heggade felicitated Ganga Padekal for her valuable contributions to literature, B. L. Nagaraj for scholarship, Dinesh Holla for art and poetry, Bendaravadi Subramanya Sharma for Kanada literature, Raymond Monteiro for water research, Lokesh S. Puthran for life security, Jayalakshmi B. R. for social work, Kumari Geetha Bai for sports, and Ganghadar Piliyoor for journalism. Child achievers Varsha R. Akshay Raj, Laxmiprasad K. Achar, Vaishnavi Rao, Iravi Raman, as well as Akshatha Konkodi and Kasthuri Kamath were also felicitated for their achievements.

A grand procession preceded the convention. Abdul Rauf Putthige hoisted the national flag; Pradeep Kumar Kalkura hoisted the flag of Karnataka; and Harikrishna Punaroor hoisted the convention flag. Mr. Punaroor delivered the introductory address; Convention Committee President N. T. Raja delivered the welcome address; and G. K. Rao released the special souvenir of the occasion. A number of cultural programmes as well as a book exhibition formed part of this event, which drew huge crowds of participants.

Convention Honorary President Harikrishna Punaroor, Convener Arehole Sadashiva Rao, Philip Pereira, Naveen Shetty, P. Jayaram Bhat, Manohar Prasad, and Sarvottam Anchan were also present.