Mysore/Mysuru: Former Chief Minister Veerappa Moily said that social tolerance is vital for economic growth.

He was speaking after releasing eight comprehensive works of Jnanapeetha awardees at a programme jointly organised by Tanu Mana Prakashana and  Kannada Sahitya Kalakoota at the Institution of Engineers on JLB Road here yesterday.

Pointing out that Kannada culture incorporates tolerance, co-ordination and equality, which find mention in the cultural history of the State, he said that Karnataka is the most favoured destination for investments because  the State is known for tolerance.

Maintaining that violence is not the answer for problems, he opined that  religious fanaticism is more dangerous than superstitions.

Noting that the eight Kannada Jnanapeetha awardees—Kuvempu,Da.Ra. Bendre,Shivaram Karanth, Masti Venkatesh Iyengar, V.K. Gokak, Girish Karnad, Dr.U.R. Ananthamurthy and Dr. Chandrashekar Kambar had contributed a lot for taking Kannada to great heights, Moily said these awardees have also made a significant contribution for the growth of Indian culture through their creative literary works.

Kannada Book Authority Chairman Nandish Hanche released a catalogue brought out by Tanu Mana Prakashana on the occasion.  Authority member Kabbinale Vasanth Bharadwaj spoke about the books.

Writer Dr.C.P. Krishnakumar presided. Former MLA Vasu, Yakshagana Academy member G.S. Bhatta, Kannada  Sahitya Kalakoota’s M. Chandrashekar, Publisher Manasa and others were present.