Donors chip in for smooth conduct of Kannada meet

RAICHUR: Many philanthropists are chipping in to ensure smooth conduct of the 82nd Akhila Karnataka Sahitya Sammelana scheduled to commence here on December 2 as the organizers are encountering shortage of currency following demonetization of high value notes. The state government has released Rs four crores but local organizers who had planned to mobilize Rs two crores from local residents, are finding it tough to collect donations. Therefore, many local organizations and philanthropists have teamed up to provide free food and accommodation to scores of delegates and participants.

For example, Rice Mill Owners Association of Raichur, Kirana Merchant Onwers Association and Shilpa Medicare Limited have shouldered the responsibility of providing food to delegates and other participants. Besides about 7,800 delegates, daily about 40,000 participants would attend the Sammelana. Food will be served on a six acre ground for delegates and participants.

And, responding to a plea by deputy commissioner R Senthil, hotel owners have agreed to provide free accommodation to hundreds of delegates. In addition, 30 schools and colleges, four marriage halls, 13 hostels and guest houses will be used for accommodating delegates.

“We have so far moblised Rs 46 lakh and many others have promised to donate money”, says Mr Senthil adding all state government employees in the district have volunteered to donate one day’s salary. Meanwhile, the district administration has geared up for organizing the mega event. Thirty sub-committees have been constituted and an enclosure to accommodate 17,000 being erected on the campus of University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) here. An information centre would be opened at the deputy commissioner’s office here. It would function round the clock. Boarding details would also be uploaded in the website www.82ssraichur.com.