Mandya: Ahead of the 87th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, a 7-kilometre run titled ‘Run for Kannada' (Kannadakkagi Ota) was organised on Tuesday.
The event began at the Sir M Visvesvaraya Stadium and concluded at the Sammelana venue near Santo Hospital in Srinivasapura, drawing hundreds of enthusiastic participants.
Mandya is fully geared up for the prestigious three-day Kannada literary festival, scheduled from December 20. As part of the promotion, the Run for Kannada event showcased the unity and pride of the Kannada-speaking community. Mandya district minister N Cheluvarayaswamy expressed his delight at the impressive turnout. "I am thrilled to see such a large crowd participating in this run. Everyone must come together to make this literary event a grand success so that the entire state's focus turns toward Mandya."
Nirmalanandanatha Swami, Adichunchanagiri Mutt seer, said this event is a meaningful precursor to the Kannada Sahitya Sammelana. "All Kannadigas should unite. Raise your hands for Kannada, and your hand will become the wish-fulfilling tree (kalpavriksha)," he said.
Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Mahesh Joshi underscored the significance of the event. "The Run for Kannada symbolises a powerful start to the Sammelana. Let us showcase Mandya's pride and love for Kannada to the world."
Spiritual leader Vinay Guruji emphasised the need to nurture Kannada culture and heritage. "Through this marathon and the literary conference, Mandya must become a witness to the survival and growth of Kannada. It is everyone's responsibility to protect the land, water, and language of Kannada. Nurture Kannada along with art," he urged. The event received support and best wishes from notable personalities, including film actors Dali Dhananjaya, Neenasam Satish, and actress Saptami Gowda, who conveyed their encouragement for the Sammelana.
Legislator P Ravikumar, Dinesh Gooligowda, and Madhu G Madegowda, ADGP (traffic and road safety) Alok Kumar, IGP Ravikanthe Gowda, SP Mallikarjun Baladandi, chief executive officer of zilla panchayat Sheikh Tanveer Asif, additional district commissioner Shivanandamurthy, and Town Council president MB Prakash were also present.