Dharwad: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented Karnataka Balvikas Academy (KBA) awards to 49 personalities (including book prize and fellowships) at Kalabhavan premises in Dharwad on Saturday night.
Speaking after presenting the awards, the chief minister called upon the writers to author books which help expand the mental horizons of children.
He said writers should impart valuable knowledge through their books. Their literature must become a fountain of inspiration to the children and they can be transformed as valuable assets of the nation.
He also said in view of undue pressure being put on children to score more their hidden talents are being suppressed.
However, there are abundant opportunities for children in fields like sports, art, painting, culture and the like. The need is to identify these talents and nurture them he said.
It may be stated here that the KBA had presented awards of five years beginning from 2011 to 2016.
Earlier, Koulagi sought Rs two crore additional fund for the KBA building.
District in-charge Minister Vinay Kulkarni, Kannada & Culture Minister Umashri, MLAs, former MLAs, MLCs and others were present on the occasion.
The programme started almost two hours later than scheduled time, putting to test patience of audience. Since majority people including awardees and their family members had come from far off places across the state, the hall was full and many big-wigs who followed Siddaramaiah jostled to get seats.
CM took time to view the paintings of the children, their cultural events and congratulated several young talents for earning fame to Karnataka in various fields.
