Bantwal : CM D. V. Sadananda Gowda inaugurated the17th DK District Kannada Sahitya Sammelan, a 2-day event held at Alike of  Bantwal on Nov 18 Friday.

Speaking on the occasion he said that, that culture, heritage, and land can only survive if the language survives, and DK has contributed a lot to the world of literature.

He also assured that he will never betray their trust and further would work for their welfare.

Mallika Prasad, the MLA of Puttur, flagged off a motorcade at Shri Panchalingeshwara Temple, Vittal. Sitaram Poojary inaugurated the Sammelan by lighting the lamp. Taluk panchayat president Shailaja P Shetty offered a floral welcome to Kannada Bhuvaneshwari.

The chariot of Kannada Bhuvaneshwari was received at Padibagilu. Around 29 cultural teams participated in the procession. Some of the teams were Swami Rath of Alike Educational Institutions, Chende artistes from Kerala, Dollu Kunita, Shilpa Gombe artistes, Bhajan groups, Nasik band, colored parasols, Aati Kelenja, scouts, guides, women’s self-help groups, Bharat Seva Dal, Daff groups, and many more.

Dr. Taltaje Vasanthkumar, the chairperson of the conference said that Kannada language lives as per Kannada culture. The language is not greater than its culture. When culture faces problem, its language also decreases.

Kana Ishwar Bhat, the president of Alike GP, hoisted the national flag at the venue of the sammelan, the grounds of the Shri Satya Sai Lok Seva Institutions, while Kalkura hoisted the Kannada flag and ZP President Shailaja K. T. Bhat hoisted the Sammelana flag. Madakatte Ishwar Bhat hoisted the flag of Alike Institutions.

Shri Mohandasa Paramahamsa Swamiji; , U. Gangadhar Bhat, the president of the Alike Shri Satya Sai Loka Seva Institutions; Pradeep Kalkura, the president of the DK District KSP President; and many others participated in the procession.