Kannada literary meet opens

The three-day 80th all India Kannada Literary Conference got off to a colourful start here today, with the meet President Na D'Souza cautioning against any attempt to divide the state and create unrest.
In his speech, he said voices about dividing "Kannada Nadu" were being heard now and noted that the unification of the state had taken place after a long struggle by several veterans.
"If the state is divided, we will become weak. Our voice will become weak," said D'Souza, who was earlier taken in a colourful procession to the venue of the meet.
D'Souza said dividing the state would increase border and water problems.

He also referred to the raging Telegana issue in Andhra Pradesh and said it should be an eye opener. It was also the responsibility of the government to ensure that there was no room for grievance among people of any region that they were not getting the basic facilities and were being neglected.
D'Souza also called for curbing superstitions which were "anti-democracy" and against human dignity, adding such beliefs prevailed among all religions.

In his speech, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said literature should not limit itself to imparting of knowledge and entertainment. "It should also focus on social and economic challenges faced by people and should help them find solutions for the same."

He also suggested that writers should be responsible with their writing.
Siddaramaiah said "social reform is not responsibility of politicians only; it is also the responsibility of writers. They should not forget that they too have social responsibility."
"Instead of criticising, writers should also focus on problem solving," he added.
Kannada Sahitya Parishat (KSP) President Pundalika Halambi hoisted the Parishat flag at the venue.
As many as 10,000 delegates and some 100 writers and thinkers are taking part in the meet.