'UNESCO picks Hampi despite pressure from other nations'

Bellary, Karnataka, Nov 3 (UNI) The United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has chosen the historic Hampi in its list of World Heritage Sites, despite pressure from other countries to include their nation's historical sites, UNESCO representative Nicholas Belomina has said.

Speaking at a function got up to release a book 'Viswa Parampare' in Kamalapur last night to mark Hampi Utsav-2006, which would kick start today, she said Hampi was a living monument of the past grandeur of kings who ruled it for 200 years. It was not just India's responsibility to protect its splendour and beauty, but that of the entire world. Family heads should keep their children aware of the history to keep the tradition alive, she added.

Releasing the book, Karnataka Home Minister M P Prakash said a quiz programme had been organised for high school students on the occasion and the winner would get a free package to tour the State's historical places.

Meanwhile, rain played spoilsport by pouring continuously for the last two days, hampering the arrangements for the three-day Hampi Utsav. The curtain raiser event of police band parade last night was severely affected by the rain and the programme started two hours behind schedule.

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