Mysuru: Dakshina Kesari Kannada Sahitya  Award- 2019 instituted by Lions Club of Mysore South was conferred on Dr. N. S. Tharanath, Visiting Professor of Kannada Studies, University of Mysore, at a colourful function held at a private hotel as part of Kannada Rajyotsava recently.

Ln. Ashwathnarayana, District Chairperson for Kannada Culture, Lions Clubs International, District 317 A, was the chief guest. Prof. H. S. Umesh of Sarada Vilas College of Education,was the guest of honour.

Dr. Tharanath stated that Kannada is the oldest language in India and its legacy and development equals with the Tamil language and today with eight Jnanpith Awards in its kitty, Kannada is in the forefront of all other Indian languages. 

He said that it is the duty of each and everyone, who is residing in Karnataka to take the language and its culture to newer heights in order to make it the best language ever spoken in the comity of Nations.  

Lions Club President Ln. G.S. Santosh presided and welcomed the gathering. Leos Bharathi and Lavanya rendered the Flag Salutation. Ln. K.K. Mohan, the Zone Chairperson also spoke on the occasion.  Ln. H.G. Vittala, Secretary of the Club, proposed a vote of thanks. Ln. Prof. K.P. Kumar and Ln. P. Rajan conducted the programme.