Mysuru:  Veteran Scholar Dr. T.V. Venkatachala Shastry released five books authored by three writers and published by Navakarnataka Publications, during Pustaka Mela inauguration at the Institution of Engineers on JLB Road in city on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shastry regretted the gradual decline in readership of Kannada books. Highlighting the role of publishers in promotion of books, he said Navakarnataka Publications stands tall in promoting book culture.

Complimenting the Publications for organising Book Melas that bring people closer to books, he emphasised on the need for publishers to promote book culture among people.

Author T.S. Gopal’s two works ‘Jnanapeethakke Meragu Kannadada Bedagu’ and ‘Halegannada Subhashitagalu’, author Dr. Rahmath Tarikere’s two works — ‘Sanna Sangati’ and ‘Kannada Kavi Parichaya Kosha’ and writer B.S. Rukkamma’s work ‘Kendasampige’ were released on the occasion.

Ramakrishna Vidyashala Kannada faculty S.S. Ramesh, Senior writer T.S. Gopal, Sushma Aradhya, N.K. Satyanarayana, H. Suresh and others were present at the book launch.