Mysuru:  North America Vishwa Kannada Association (Navika), in association with NRI Forum, Government of Karnataka, is hosting the fourth Navikothsava, a cultural and literary event for Non-Resident Kannadigas (NRKs) at Kalamandira in city on Aug.4 and 5.

This time it is called ‘Anivasi Kannadigara Utsava’ and Kannadiga residents of America, Switzerland, England, Kuwait, Australia and Singapore will showcase their talent at the two-day Utsava.

Addressing a press meet at Pathrakartara Bhavan in city recently, Nataraj Kote, Chairman of the Reception Committee of Navikothsava, said that the earlier three Navikothsavas were held at Bengaluru in 2011, 2014 and 2016.

“The event is being held in association with the NRI Forum, Kannada Development Authority and Kannada and Culture Department. Navika is a non-profit organisation in the US dedicated to promote Kannada language, culture, education. It is also involved in charities for Kannadigas settled in the US and other parts of the world. There are over two lakh Kannadigas in USA itself. Typically, NRKs travel to Karnataka in the months of June, July and August for summer vacation with children. So, the event has been planned in the first week of August,” he said.

Kote said, “I am a native of this region, H.D. Kote, but, the choice of Mysuru for Navikothsava is due to its prominence as the cultural capital of the State. The event is being held under the guidance of Suresh Ramachandra, President of Navika and Prakash Banavar, Convenor, both of whom have homes in the city, besides in Bengaluru.”

Co-chair of Navika India Committee Shree Shailan said that the programmes will begin at 4 pm on Aug.4 and will be held from 10 am to 6 pm on Aug.5.

Navikothsava will begin with a dance drama by Keshava Dasappa from Switzerland and Yamuna Srinidhi and troupe. Dignitaries like Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, Dy.CM Dr. G. Parameshwar, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, poet K.S. Nisar Ahmed, actor Mukhyamantri Chandru, Dr. Vasanta Vijayi Maharaj, KDA Chairman S.G. Siddaramaiah and others will take part in the inaugural ceremony.

Play ‘Gulebakavali’ of M.S. Sathyu and a demonstration of ‘Kannada Kali Nali,’ developed by Navika to teach Kannada to children, will be the highlights of Navikothsava. Artistes Mandya Ramesh, Prof. M. Krishnegowda and Mysore Anand will present humour programme.

A Business Forum is organised from 9 am to 1.30 pm on Aug.4 at Southern Star Hotel. The Forum intends to discuss business opportunities in India and the US and emerging technologies. There will be three panel discussions with experts from both India and the US. Officials of Karnataka government will also be a part of it.