Bangalore: State Minister for Kannada and Culture Govinda Karajola has regretted the fact that none of the 11 universities in the state have completely utilized the Rs one crore grant sanctioned by the government to each of them for Kannada promotional works.

The minister was speaking at the Anupama Award presentation ceremony held at the Kannada Sahitya Parishat hall here on May 27, Sunday under the auspices of the Karnataka Lekhakiyara Sangha.

“There had never been dearth of funds for the development and promotion of Kannada language and culture,” he said and promised that the Government would continue providing assistance t o those who work towards the development of the language.

Leeladevi R Prasad, former minister, said it was indeed a regret that no woman was chosen for the post of the president of Kannada Sahitya Parishat, in its century long history.

Veteran writer Dr BN Sumitrabai received the Anupama Award on the occasion. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 10,000 and a citation. Endowment awards were also conferred on the occasion.

Dr Vasundhara Bhoopathi, President of the Lekhakiyara Sangha, presided over the function.