BANGALORE: In a marked departure from tradition, the Kannada Sahitya Parishat has called upon Rashtra Kavi G.S. Shivarudrappa to inaugurate the 73rd annual three -day All India Kannada Sahitya Sammelan to be held at Shimoga from December 20.

The parishat's decision is reported to have been spurred by the mood of delegates and others at the inaugural session of the 72nd sammelan held at Bidar in January last, which witnessed a delayed inauguration.

The then Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh, could not make it to inauguration on time owing to certain political developments which rocked the State at that point of time.

Parishat president Chandrashekhar Patil told presspersons here on Wednesday that the Government had released Rs. 1 crore for the sammelan and another Rs. 1 crore would be mobilised through other sources, including contributions of the Government employees who have agreed to donate a day's salary for the programme.

Over 25 seminars on various topics pertaining to cultural and literary issues of the State, including information technology, science literature, Kannada and Judiciary, cinema and television, book and painting exhibitions, musical session, poets' meet and cultural fetes would mark the annual event. Poet Nisar Ahmed had been selected to chair the event.

Deputy Chief Minister B.S . Yediyurappa, who is also incharge of Shimoga district, will participate in both the inaugural and valedictory sessions. Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy will participate in the valediction.

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