Mangaluru : Nitte University Chancellor N Vinay Hegde inaugurated the 10days Dakshina Kannada district Karavali Utsava 2014-15 by unleashing coconut flower at Karavali Utsava Maidan here on Tuesday, Dec 23.

Speaking after inauguration he said, people of coastal Karnataka to shun the feeling of hatred which is in coastal districts from past 5-6 years. Breaking the barriers of parties, politicians should join hands to develop harmony between castes and communities in society, he said.

He said that Dakshina Kannada is known for education, health and development. It stands unique not in the state, but in the country becuase of its achievements. People like late Srinivas Mallya have contributed a lot for the district. But, in past few years the district has changed a lot. Small reasons should not create clashes and bring blackmark to the district.

Such differences should be sorted out within, he said. Meanwhile, he said that Karavali Utsava was started to showcase the speciality of the district before country, but it is yet to be fulfilled. District-in-Charge Minister B Ramanath Rai promised that Karavali Utsava will be a grand fest every year.

DK is a district with many fests like Kambala, Yakshagana and many other. So, new dimension will be given to Karavali Utsava from this year. Along with culture, sports, food and beach fest, from next year Kambala will also be a part of the event in a different form. Each and everyone should be a part of the fest, he urged.

Earlier, District-in-Charge Minister inaugurated the exhibition section by releasing balloons. There are around 18 stalls including stalls by various departments including forest, information, health, public work, women and child welfare, horticulture, agriculture, education, industry and finance, Kannada and culture and social welfare department. There were stalls by Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation, Zilla Panchayat, Mangalore City Corporation, DK Nirmiti Kendra and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL).

A clay art depicting Kambala scene, in front of the information department was centre of attraction. The model forest of the forest department, seven model structures like hospital, school attracted the viewers. Children enjoyed funfair at the event premises.

Health Minister U T Khader, Youth Service, Sports Minister K Abhaychandra Jain, MLAs B A Mohiuddin Bava, Shakuntala Shetty, MLC Ivan D’Souza, DC A B Ibrahim, ZP President Asha Timmappa Gowda, CEO Tulasi Maddineni, Mayor Mahabala Marla, SP Dr Sharanappa, were present among others.