Mangalore : The  Veerarani Abbakka Dashamanotsava -2013  was inaugurated by veteran writer Saara Aboobakker at the Rani Abbakka Vedike of Bharath High School Grounds on February 9, Saturday. The event was organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture and the Veerarani Abbakka Utsav Samithi.

Speaking on the occasion, Saara Aboobakker expressed her grave concern over the rising religious intolerance and the increasing menace of moral police men. She gave a clarion call to young women to take to the streets againt the atrocities and  urged them to take a cue from Abbakka who fought against the Portuguese decades ago.

She also delved on the Tipu controversy and stressed the need to highlight facts regarding Tipu.

Nalin Kumar Kateel, MP who also spoke strongly condemned the aping of Western culture by the youth. On the debate over Tipu, he said whatever might be the controversy, Tipu was a freedom fighter.

UT Khader, MLA,  hoisted the flag while Anwar Manippady, State Backward Classes Commission Chairman released a documentary on Rani Abbakka.Rahim Uchil, President of Beary Sahitya Academy,  Ullal TMC Vice President Bhavani, Moses Jayashekhar, Deputy Director of Public Instructions, Dinaker Ullal, Working President of the Abbakka Utsav Samithi, Vaman Nandavar, Honorary Advisor and other office bearers were present.  

A colourful procession was taken out on the main streets of Ullal prior to the function. A half marathon too was organised.