Virajpet (Kodagu dist):

There is a need to create awareness on secularism to conserve democracy. A community can progress, only when its members respect and love their community, said Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah.

Speaking at the golden jubilee of Baithoorappa Sangha of Puggera family at Devanageri near here, he said the government has released Rs 60 lakh for the Kodava Sahitya Academy. Kodava Study Centre has been set up in Mangalore University, to encourage Kodava culture, tradition and literature.

Academy president A C Cariappa said Puggera family was responsible for conserving Bolakat and Ummathat dance forms. District in-charge minister Appachu Ranjan, Kodava Centre coordinator Kodeera Lokesh, Puggera family seniors K Subbaiah and Appayya were present.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / by DHNS / November 17th, 2012