Mangalore: The Kannada and Culture department of the govt., deserves praise for organizing a festival in the name of brave Queen of Ullala, Abbakka who faced the British rampage in her times in British history.
The festival was unveiled at a press conference held in city on the eve of Republic day celebrations on the West Coast. Actually the festival committee proposes to hold this cultural/historic festival on 29 and 30th of January, 2011 at the Abbakka Vedike (dais) in Asaigoli, a suburb of Mangalore on way to University at Konaje. MLA U.T Khader heads the organizing committee. There are Scholars like Amrit Someshwara, Palthdy Ramakrishna Achar, Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa, Dr.Vamana Nandavara, Abdul RahimT.K., and R.K.Ullal who advise the committee which has office-bearers like former MLA K.Jayarama Shetty, Bhaskar Rai Kukkuvalli and Dinker Ullal among others.
The Govt. of Karnataka is actually involved in the proceedings. A folk art procession will be taken out on jan.29 morning at 9am to begin the celebrations. The inauguration of the festive programmes is done by energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje. Mangalore MP Nalin Kumar Kateel presides on the occasion. Welfare Minister C.C Patil will open various sessions/ meets, while folk artiste Kargee Shedthi Aldangady will inaugurate the cultural events. A galaxy of coastal leaders (Mayor included) will be present on the nostalgic occasion in memory of Queen Abbakka.
There are separate sessions for Women, Poets (in 4 languages and other historic subjects).
Dr. Veerendra Heggade of Dharmasthala will grace the evening session. Political leaders/ ministers are expected to attend.
On Sunday there are packed programmes on view, après release informed here.
The valedictory function at 6pm on Sunday will be addressed by CM Yeddyurappa, Minister Palemar, Dr. M.Veerappa Moily and other distinguished invitees and guests. On the whole, it is a feast of programmes and personalities all through the 2 days 9Saturday and Sunday) next.
The cultural and sports competitions held in this connection were inaugurated by eminent Tulu playwright /actor and film producer K.N.Tailor at Asaigoli KSRP grounds on Sunday last, Jan.23, the press release informed.