On Monday, Udupi District Police Chief Hariram Shankar, IPS, attended the valedictory function of the cultural and art competitions organized for students from the Kundapur Kannada-speaking region. The event, titled 'Valbell,' was held under the joint aegis of the Kundapur Kannada Study Chair of Mangalore University and the Yaddad-Mathady Sujnan PU College. Shankar distributed prizes to the winning students and spoke about his experiences in life. He recalled how he had visited the Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple after failing the IPS exam and prayed there. He began his service as the DySP of the Kundapur sub-division and is now serving as the SP of Udupi district. Shankar emphasized that the people of Kundapur are always at the forefront in helping those in need, with their large-heartedness and simplicity being unparalleled.
He stated that Kundapur has had a significant impact on his life, and although his hometown is Thrissur, he considers Kundapur as his second hometown. Shankar also learned Kannada in Kundapur. He advised the youth to never forget their motherland, heritage, and language, and to respect and love them. The responsibility of preserving and promoting the Kannada language, history, and culture of Kundapur lies with the younger generation and students.
Former Minister and former MP K. Jayaprakash Hegde, a member of the Kundapur Kannada Study Chair, delivered the valedictory address. He praised the students for showcasing the art, history, and culture of Kundapur in an impressive manner. Hegde emphasized that parents should encourage their children to pursue their interests and passions, rather than forcing them into a particular field. He also stressed the importance of inculcating human values in life and being a socially responsible person.
Former MLA of the Kundapur Assembly constituency was also present at the event. The Kundapur Kannada Study Chair is committed to organizing more such programs to promote the language and culture of Kundapur. The chair aims to collect new words and phrases, compile them, and add them to the dictionary. Jayaprakash Hegde was felicitated on the stage for his contributions to the establishment of the Kundapur Kannada Study Chair and his lifelong commitment to social service.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Kundapra