Belgaum: The three-day World Kannada Meet, to be organised here from February 23, promises to be an open platform with brainstorming sessions aimed at discussing issues such as protecting the identity of "language and culture of the land" and reconstruction of Karnataka, which is more self-reliant with a vibrant economy and strong culture.

There is widespread concern over growing threat to the Kannada language and native culture following globalisation and liberalisation, and influence of the multinational economy in almost every walk of life.

Thus, the three-day event will facilitate threadbare discussions on these issues.

Unique forum

According to official sources, the meet will provide a unique forum for the native Kannadigas, the Horanadu Kannadigas and Non-Resident Indian Kannadigas to exchange views and thoughts on various issues and topics such as language, tradition, literature, music, dance, folk arts, scientific development and technological progress, economic progress, growth potential in future.

Road repairs

As preparations for the event have started here with filling up of potholes and repairing few major roads, sources said the event would showcase major developments witnessed during the last 50 years.

Exhibitions, seminars featuring eminent writers and scholars, film festivals and sporting events, cultural programmes by eminent artistes others have been planned.

The Government has released Rs. 44.8 lakh towards improvement and beautification of Kumar Gandharva Rangamandir, which would be one of the major venues for the meet.

It has announced Rs. 175 lakh for road repair and widening works and beautification of parks.

However, Kannada organisations feel neglected by the district administration in general and the Department of Kannada and Culture in particular, as the latter had not bothered to involve them [Kannada organisations] in the preparations for the event.

Grievance

"Now that the Government has announced the date for the meet, we hope the district administration will involve Kannada organisations and other social groups so that they do not feel isolated from such a great event to take place in their home town," said Belgaum District Kannada Organisations' Action Committee president Ashok Chandargi.

He said the Government should direct district administrations to organise "Jagruti Jatha" in all district, taluk and hobli centres to create awareness on the meet and also create necessary environment for the event.

The jathas should be taken out by involving local Kannada organisations and should not turn out to be official jathas, he said.

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