Preserve country's linguistic diversity: Karnataka Governor

Bangalore, Dec 27 (UNI) Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur today called for preserving the linguistic diversity of the country.

Inaugurating the 80th Conference of Nikhil Bharat Banga Sahithya Sammelan (NBBSS) here, the Governor said Karnataka had the distinction of building a bridge, linking diverse cultures and linguistic people of the country.

The state had hosted two NBBSS conferences in 1959 and 1993.

Recalling the contribution of Bengalis to the world of literature, he said Bangalore city had been continuously attracting young talents from West Bengal.

Union Minister for External Affairs Pranab Mukherjee, who spoke on the occasion, said relations between the people of Karnataka and West Bengal dates back to several centuries.

''The bond between Karnataka and West Bengal was at a peak in the period of Emperor Vikramadithya of the Chalukya dynasty,'' Mr Mukherjee said.

Over 500 delegates from various parts of the country, including West Bengal, Jharkhand, Orissa, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and New Delhi were attending the three-day NBBSS.

UNI