Bantwal: Two day celebration of Veera rani Abbakka festival was inaugurated at Thumbe BA college on Saturday January 24. The grand programme is jointly organised by Kannada and cultural department of state government and Veera Rani Abbakka committee.

Former President of Film chamber of Karnataka and Vidhana Parishat member, Dr. Jayamala inaugurated the festival. Speaking on the occasion she stated that articles about Abbakka written in various languages and spread in London, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Goa and in other places must be collected and translated into Kannada. This way government must honour Rani Abbakka.

The respect and honour Rani Abbakka deserved was not shown towards her. Her talent and valour not even included in school text books. Her organisation skills and bravery is guiding light to women all over the coutry, she said.

District in charge minister B. Ramanath Rai presided over the programme.

Health and family welfare minster UT Khader graced the programme.

Empty chairs:

People’s turn out to witness the inaugural ceremony was very low. Although ground was full during the cultural programmes before the inaugural ceremony, people preferred to leave the chairs alone during stage programme. Local school children contributed to the major portion of the spectators.

 

Mangaluru: Six outstanding personalities from different fields will be conferred with Sandesha Awards on the auspicious occasion of 24th award ceremony instituted by Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education.

 The awards will be conferred on renowned veteran Konkani singer Henry D'Souza (music), noted Tulu actor Navin D Padil (art), Dr C Veeranna (literature), Dr Jayamala Ramachandra (media), and Jayalaxmi Damle (best teacher). Ace record-holder swimmer Gopal Kharvi will be honoured with the Sandesha Special Recognition Award.

Addressing a press meet here on Saturday December 20, director of Sandesha Fr Victor Vijay Lobo said that the awards will be presented at a ceremony to be held on January 23, 2015, at Sandesha premises at 5 pm. Bishop of Puttur diocese Geevarghese Mar Divannasios will preside over the ceremony and present the awards.

District incharge minister Ramanath Rai, MLA J R Lobo, MLC Ivan D'Souza, bishop of Bellari and president of Sandesha Foundation Dr Henry D'Souza, bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, and bishop of Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo will be the chief guests. Noted literary figure Bolwar Mohammed Kunhi will be the guest of honour.

Dr Na Da Shetty, Sandesha media committee convener Titus Noronha, Fr Jayaprakash D'Souza of Sandesha Foundation were present.