Mysore/Mysuru: Observing that human values have been declining with increasing use of Science and Technology in our life, Mandya District Kannada Sahitya Parishat former President Prof. H.S. Muddegowda bemoaned that though we have landed on the moon, at the same time, we seem to be far away from our neighbours.

He was speaking at the book release programme organised under the joint aegis of District Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Sneha Sinchana Trust and Karnataka Chutuku Sahitya Parishat, marking the 71st birthday celebration of former Akashavani (AIR) Programme Executive N.V. Ramesh at Namana Kalamantapa in Krishnamurthypuram here on Sunday.

Noting that undivided families have become almost extinct now, Prof. Muddegowda regretted that we have entered the stage where we come to know about the happenings in our neighbourhood through newspapers the next morning. “This situation must go and there should be bonding between extended families and neighbourhood families. We have to lead a purposeful life that will be of help to the society,” he said.

Earlier, social worker K. Raghuram, who spoke after inaugurating the programme, said that N.V. Ramesh had functioned as a Cultural Ambassador when he served at Akashavani and Doordarshan for years. Lauding Ramesh for his social and cultural activities, he complimented the organisers for conducting this literary programme during Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations.

Senior High Court advocate Revanna Ballari, Mandya Akashavani Programme Executive Bhavani Lokesh, Science writer S. Ramprasad, senior Journalist Amshi Prasannakumar and Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat, Davanagere office-bearer P.M. Siddaiah Honnali too spoke.

N.V. Ramesh’s books were released on the occasion. Melukote Vangipura Mutt Seer Sri Ilai Alwar Swamiji graced the occasion. Former CFTRI Scientist Srimathi Hariprasad presided. District Kannada Sahitya Parishat Secretary M.N. Latha Mohan, Sugandhamma Jayappa Honnali and others                                   were present.

The event also featured seminars and Kavighosti, in which several writers and poets including M. Muthuswamy, Usha Narasimhan, Kerodi M. Lolakshi, Jayappa Honnali, Dr. H.A. Parshvanath, Govindachari, V.M. Jagadish, R.A. Kumar, C.V. Sridharamurthy, Ambadas Joshi, Jagdev S. Galagali, Kemparaju and others took part.