Udupi: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the World Bunts Conference (Vishwa Bantara Sammelana 2023) in Udupi organized by the Federation of World Bunt Associations on Saturday October 28 at Ajjarakadu Ground.

Speaking after the inauguration CM praised the Bunts community for celebrating the culture of ‘Vishwa Manava’ (universal humanity).

Siddaramaiah also expressed his appreciation for the immense contribution of the Bunt community to Kannada history and culture. Calling Bunts of Mangaluru-Udupi region ‘adventurists’, the CM said that the name and fame of the community has spread worldwide.

The Bunts have made their mark in all fields including sports, cinema, education, or hotel industry. Wherever they go, they spread their language and culture. “Your love and care for Tulu is exemplary. It is a matter of pride. If everyone respects their mother tongue, it will increase the pride of our culture,” he said.

“Bunt Samaj is a secular community. Celebrating the human value of treating all with equal love. It is a matter of pride… This is highly commendable,” he added.

The CM also promised that a board will be formed in the next state budget for the development of the Bunt Community.

Kanyana Sadashiva Shetty, Tonse Anand Shetty, Shashirekha Anand Shetty, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U T Khader, District In-charge Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, K Prakash Shetty of MRG Group, former Minister Ramanath Rai were the special guests in the event presided over by Aikala Harish Shetty, the President of the Federation of World Bunts Associations.

Former chairman K Pratapachandra Shetty, MLAs Ashok Kumar Rai, Yashpal Suvarna, Ganesh Hukkeri, Vidhan Parishad member Manjunath Bhandari, Mumbai Cricket Association’s Dr PV Shetty, Santosh Guru, Congress leaders Ivan D’Souza, Abhayachandra Jain, GA Bava among others were also present.