Udupi witnessed a cultural gathering on Sunday, September 9, when the Dundi 70 felicitation ceremony and book dedication took place inside the Bhavani Mandap of Mahakali Temple Ambalpadi. The event honoured poet H. Dundiraj for his socially relevant, humorous verses and marked the launch of his new novel “Dundiatra”.
Organisers included Ambalpadi Srijanardhana, Mahakali Temple Ambalpadi, Culture World Foundation Udupi, Vishwa Bharati Karnataka Foundation Bengal and the Kannada Sahitya Parishad Udupi Taluk Unit. The ceremony opened with a welcome address by honorary secretary Janardhana Kodavoor, followed by a proposal from Kannada Sahitya Parishad Udupi Taluk president Raviraj HP.
Dr. Ganath Ekkar, president of Dr. Shivarama Karanta Trust, delivered congratulatory remarks, highlighting Dundiraj's reputation as both a poet and a humanitarian. He urged the audience to read “Dundiatra” to understand the author's life journey.
Assistant director of the Kannada and Culture Department, Purnima Dundiatra, officially launched the Atma Novel and Sakshattkara books through a live Facebook session. Literary scholar Dr. Katyayini Kunjibettu introduced the publications, while Prof. Shankar, president of Culture World Foundation, presided over the proceedings.
Among the distinguished guests, Suralu Narayana Madi, founder president of Vishwa Bharati Karnataka Foundation, took the stage, and Raghavendra Prabhu offered a salute to the cultural contributions of the community. The narration was handled by Poornima Janardhan, whose voice guided the audience through the highlights of Dundiraj's literary achievements.
The event also paid tribute to the temple's Dharmadarsi, Dr. N. B. Vijaya Ballal, acknowledging his role in fostering cultural activities at the sacred site. Attendees left with a renewed appreciation for regional literature and the enduring impact of Dundiraj's work.
Image for illustration purposes only
đź“° Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi