Karkala: Literary bodies must think seriously about creating interest in Kannada literature among the younger generation. In recent times, it is unfortunate that state-level literary conferences are seeing more discussions about food arrangements than about literature itself. Such trends will not help the growth of literature, said former minister and Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 21st Taluk Kannada Sahitya Sammelana held at Creative Pre-University College in Karkala.

Sunil Kumar said the government should not interfere in the literary field, and the appointment of administrators must be withdrawn immediately. He also stressed the need for large-scale recruitment of teachers to strengthen the education system.

Senior writer Vasudeva Bhat Siddapura presided over the conference. Karnataka Sahitya Parishat district president Nilavara Surendra Adiga delivered the introductory address. Former conference president Prof K. Gunapal Kadamba, education officer Girijamma S.R., writer H. Dundiraj, Gnanasudha Education Institution public relations officer Jyoti Padmanabha Bandi, advocate M.K. Suvrat Kumar, Creative Education Foundation co-founder Ashwath S.L., Hirgana Gram Panchayat president Sunita, Kapu taluk Kannada Sahitya Parishat president B. Pundalik Maratha, Hebri taluk Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Srinivas Bhandari, and organising secretary Girish Ravte were present.

Taluk Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Prabhakar Shetty Kondalli welcomed the gathering, while secretary Devadas Keremane proposed the vote of thanks. Ganesh Jalkoor compered the programme.