BANGALORE: Sankranti festival was celebrated with a great pomp in the city. Vishwa Vokkaligara Maha Vedike at Rajajinagar inaugurated the Sankranti festival programmes in the city, recently.
Home and transport minister R Ashok, who took part in the event said, “Cutting across all barriers and working unity is essential for human development. There are apprehension about the unity among Vokkaliga community.”
He also added, “The community will progress if its leaders dispel these apprehensions by coming forward and working in unity towards progress. ”
Ashok said that there is no confusion in the minds of the people. However, he also added, controversies and differences among their leaders make them apprehensive. People will appreciate if leaders work in unity. He promised to hold discussion with Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda and extend benefits to the Vokkaliga community.
Karnataka Rakshana Vedike State President Narayana Gowda, who spoke on the occasion said that an all-party delegation should be taken to Delhi to emphasise to name the International airport at Devanahalli after Kempegowda, the founder of Bangalore.
Addressing the audience, Vedike President Y D Ravishankar said, “Every year Vishwa Vokkaligara Maha Vedike and Rajajinagar Vokaligara Hitharakshana Vedike observe ‘Sankranti habba - Vokkaligarahabba’ in various residential
layout in the City. The festival aims to bring the glory of the Sankranti festival to the urban citizen and focus on the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka through various programmes. Various achievers are also felicitated
on the occasion.”
Annadaneshwara Swamiji of Shivagiri Kshetra gave the benediction on the occasion. At the event a colourful procession was carried out from Rajajinagar first block to Ramamandir playground. Folk artistes from various parts of the state participated in the procession. Rural tradition like distributing ellu-bella and offering prayers to the harvested grains were conducted.
Former Minister D K Shivakumar, Magadi legislator Balakrishna, Forest Minister C P Yogeshwar, Kannada litterateur C P Krishna Kumar, Malleshwaram legislator R Ashwathanarayan, Rajajinagar Vokaligara Hitharakshana Vedike President, and others were present at the event.