The minister was speaking after declaring open the “Suvarna Karnataka Janapada Utsava,” organised by the Sangha jointly with the Karnataka Janapada and Yakshagana Academy along with the Kannada and Culture Department.

He disclosed that the department would also offer a special course of Kannada studies targeted at the young Kannadigas of Delhi under the aegis of the Sangha. This, he said, would help them identify themselves with Kannada, Karnataka and its culture even as it would help them learn the language.

He appreciated the contribution of the Sangha to project Karnataka and its culture in the national capital.

The minister also presented the Janapada Academy Award to Sangha president Dr Purushothama Bilimale on this occasion. Keremane Shambhu Heggade, president of Karnataka Janapada and Yakshagana Academy presided over the function.