Moodbidri : A three-day literary and cultural programme – Alva’s Nudisiri -was inaugurated at Vidyagiri near Moodbidri on Friday November 14.

A grand colorful procession of Artists, Dancers, Instrumental players, Dancing Dolls and scholars, students, women dressed in their best walked through the streets of Moodabidre before start of three days programme.

After inaugurating the 11th edition of Alva’s Nudisiri-2014 Na D’ Souza blamed politicians for present day evils afflicting the society but held that the silence of writers and poets for heightened tensions.

Alvas have prepared this cultural event in the very meaningful way. I am happy to inaugurate this colorful programme. Now a day we are twisting towards selfishness, power, luxury, comfort and money. Wants of human being are endless. The material man is haunted by several things in the present scenario, he said.

Nadooja Dr Siddalingaiah who presided over the function in his speech demanded the enactment of the anti-superstition law to curb rituals such as “Made snana”.

The poet indirectly referred to this ritual practiced in Subramanya Temple in Dakshina Kannada where devotees roll over food left over by Brahmins on plantain leaves. Although there was a direct reference to the ritual in his written speech that was circulated, he chose to skip the portion while reading it.

Stating that such practices were “neither religious nor healthy”, he declared “I oppose any superstitious practice that brings down the dignity of human beings”. He clarified he was not opposed to religious beliefs and practices that enhanced people’s self confidence and morality.

Mr. Siddalingaiah also regretted that some women are kept in isolated sheds outside their villages during menstruation, even today. He was also concerned about physical attacks on women and sought harsher punishment of the guilty.

The poet, who is also Director of Ambedkar Study and Research Centre, Bangalore University, sought greater use of Kannada in administration and pleaded against closure of Government schools under the pretext of less patronage.

He said the recent order of the Supreme Court that suggested that medium of instruction should be left to the choice of parents would adversely affect growth of Kannada language and urged the State Government to appeal against the order.

Dr Mohan Alva Chairman of Alvas Education Foundation welcomed the guests.

Minister K. Abhayachandra Jain, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, Ganesh Karnik, Amarnath Shetty, Supriya D Shetty President of Town Muncipal Moodbidri and others were present.