It's a different ball game in KSCA stadium

Bangaluru: It was real cool! Patriotism in Karnataka reached its zenith today ( Nov 1 , 2006 ) on its 50th year of State Formation Day. The BDay function in the State evoked huge enthusiasm, as this year happens to be the Golden Jubilee Year of the State of Karnataka. The State virtually jumped to festive mood since morning as celebrations gripped through the length and breadth of the state - Bidar in the North to Kolar District in the South.

To mark this milestone in the history of Karnataka, Government organised 'Suvarna Karnataka Rajyotsava' (Golden Jubilee Celebrations). It was a treat to watch this mega event. The venue chosen for the occasion was none other than KSCA, Cricket Stadium in the City. Forty thousand capacity stadium was brimming with Kannada lovers even before the function started at 4.30 P.M The capacity crowd enjoyed plethora of cultural programs, award distribution ceremonies and all the pomp and glory attached with it.

" Sarang" Air shows, laser shows and folk and film song dance sequences and rendition of patriotic songs and State Anthem were the highlights of the function. Governor T.N. Chaturvedi, Chief Minister H.D. Kumara Swamy, Deputy Chief Minister Yediyoorappa, Cabinet ministers, opposition leaders in the State assembly and a host of politicians, bureaucrats, movie stars and other dignitaries were present in the function.

Governor T.N. Chaturvedi presided over the function. C.M. H.D. Kumara Swamy, who inaugurated the Golden Jubilee Celebrations in the State, gave away 'State Unification Awards' and 'Rajyotsava Awards' to over 90 achievers in various disciplines like social service, literature, education, sports, movies and technology among others. Earlier the Governor and Chief Minister H.D. Kumara Swamy went on a cheer parade when tableaus to showcase the state's history, culture et al made their entry to the ground.

Name changing ceremony is the other attraction in Karnataka this season. Bangalore will be renamed as Bangaluru, and eight other places in Karnataka were also renamed. ( Gulbarga >Kalburgi; Mysore>Mysuru; Mangalore>Mangaluru, Chikkamagalore> Chikkamangaluru; Hospet>Hosapete; Shimoga>Shivamogga; Hubli>Hubballi; Belaguam>Belagavi). An announcement to this effect is awaited.

The coveted Rashtra Kavi (National Poet) recognition was conferred on prominent poet Prof. G.S. Shivarudrappa. K.V Puttappa ( Kuvempu ) and Manjeshwara Govinda Pai were the other two Poets conferred with the title earlier.

(Oneindia news)