'Gramaloka', a literary programme by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, and Manglurchi Motiyam Cultural Organisation, was held at Lobo Motors premises at Belthangadi at 4:30 pm on Sunday, June 30.

The event was inaugurated by Rev Fr Walter D'Mello, Parish Priest of Belthangady, who emphasised the cultural significance of the Konkani language. He underscored Konkani's rich heritage in folklore and literature, urging senior writers and artists to create awareness among konkani people on its uniqueness and guarding against foreign influences.

Melvyn Rodrigues, Convenor of the Konkani Advisory Board at Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi gave an introductory speech detailing the Sahitya Akademi's programmes and welcomed the guests.

The programme featured local poets Robert D'Souza Madantyar, Flavia Albuquerque from Puttur, and Thelma Madta from Madantyar, who recited thier poems. Vidya Nayak from Guruvayanakere presented Konkani children songs with insights into their background and contemporary relevance. Apollin D'Souza and her team delighted the audience with melodious Konkani lullabies, while Ronald Lobo, Ronald D'Souza, and Arvin D'Souza entertained with Konkani songs.

Stany Bela, a member of the Konkani Advisory Board at Sahitya Akademi moderated the programme. Alphonse Mendonsa Manglurchi Motiyam proposed vote of thanks.

The programme celebrated Konkani language and culture through poetry, songs, and cultural insights, reinforcing its importance and fostering community engagement in literary and cultural preservation.

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Hubballi: A youngster accused of misbehaving with a girl at a dance class and his family members were allegedly assaulted during a clash between two groups in Tumakuru Oni of Kamaripet area in Hubballi.

According to sources, a group confronted the youth, identified as Tilak, accusing him of behaving inappropriately with a girl at the dance class. The situation escalated after Tilak’s family members reached the spot and entered into an argument with the group.

As tensions grew, another group of around 50 to 60 people allegedly joined and attacked Tilak and his family members.

Three persons identified as Parashuram Nadiyada, Dileep Nadiyada and Tilak sustained serious injuries in the incident and were rushed to the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospital in Hubballi for treatment.

The victims have alleged that they were mistaken to be Muslims and were also subjected to caste-based abuse during the assault.

Police from the Kamaripet station reached the spot, brought the situation under control and registered a case in this regard.