Mysuru: The first district-level, day-long, Mahila Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, organised by District Kannada Sahitya Parishat (KSP) began at Maharani’s Arts College for Women, in city this morning.

Sammelana President Dr. Y.C. Bhanumathi was brought to the venue along with KSP President Y.D. Rajanna and College Principal Prof. C.H. Prakash, in a specially decorated vehicle after taking out a procession on the main streets of the city.

The procession that began from Metropole Circle, passed through Shivarampet, Dufferin Clock Tower, D. Devaraja Urs Road and culminated at Maharani’s Arts College for Women. Various folk troupes, Kannada fans, activists and women writers were part of the procession.

The participation of girl students attired in traditional dress, waving Kannada flags along the procession route was the major attraction.

Speaking after inaugurating the programme, Mayor Pushpalatha Jagannath said that it was nice to see more number of women contributing for the growth of Kannada literature, besides their involvement in protection of culture and tradition of the land.

She appealed all women and girl students to vote compulsorily in the upcoming Lok Sabha and other elections as it is a must for the success of democracy.

The Mayor also asked the students to download the Swacchata App launched by Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to post their grievances and vote in Swachha Survekshan Abhiyan, as such steps are necessary for Mysuru to bag the top Cleanest City award.

Speaking after releasing the book ‘Bhavantharala’ on the occasion, MLA Tanveer Sait appreciated the organisers for organising Women’s Literary meet which goes a long way in empowerment of women.

He said that the State Government has taken a lot of Kannada promotion measures like strengthening Kannada medium schools across the State.

The State Government has also decided to maintain status quo on ‘Naada Geethe ‘Jayabharatha Jananiya Thanujathe’ without making any changes in the song, besides asking IAS officers working in the State to compulsorily study Kannada for effective implementation of the language.

He said the State Government will also encourage the study of English in Kannada medium school as English is must to compete at national and international level and also to get jobs.

Earlier, participants took oath to vote compulsorily in elections on account of ‘National Voters’ Day’ prior to the inauguration.       

Officials of Mysuru City Corporation were also given demonstration on downloading the Swachhata  App as well as voting for Mysuru to get the Cleanest City award.

A festive atmosphere prevailed  in the premises of Maharanis Arts College. The venue and the premises were decorated with mango leaves, special flowers, Kannada buntings and flags.

Zilla Panchayat in-charge President S R. Nandeesh, District Kannada Sahitya Parsihath former presidents Maddikere Gopal and  Chandrashekhar, faculty of Maharani’s Arts College Dr. Sujatha Akki, Prof. Basavaraj, theatre personality Rajashekhar Kadamba and others were present.