Mysuru: Talukina Venkannaiah Smaraka Granthamale and Kannada Sahitya Kala Koota had organised an event at JSS Women’s College in Saraswathipuram here yesterday to felicitate litterateur Prof. Chandrashekar Patil (Champa), who is the President-designate for the 83rd Akhila Bharatha Kannada Sahitya Sammelana to be held in city next month (Nov.24 to 26).

Suttur Mutt Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji graced the occasion. A collection of articles of Champa published in the weekly ‘Agni’ titled ‘Champaankana’ was released by journalist Rajashekar Koti. MLA Vasu was the chief guest. Litterateur Prof.  Maleyuru Guruswamy spoke on Champa’s book.

Speaking on the occasion, Champa hailed the Nadageethe of Kuvempu which had all the elements to unite a State. He commended the contributions of everybody to uphold the status of Kannada literature.

Calling upon Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji to break his silence on the raging issue to separate religion status for Lingayats, he said that all Lingayat Seers must join hands for the cause of the community.

Champa appealed to those who are opposing the Kannada Sammelana to work together to make the event a grand success. Leave aside the differences and make the meet successful and issues, if any, could be discussed at a later stage, he added.