INTERNATIONAL : NATIONAL: KARNATAKA Showcases Ecotourism Hotspots to G20 summit Delegates from 30 countries

G20 summit delegates from 30 countries visited the Bannerghatta Biological Park, Kalkere Arboretum, and the Jungle Lodges and Resorts as part of the series of events organised by the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG).

During this excursion, curated by the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, the state showcased its models for the restoration of forest ecosystems and the different types of forests curated at the arboretum, stated in its official release.

At Bannerghatta, the delegates visited the famous butterfly park and a short animal safari curated for them, where they were able to learn about the state’s sustainable ecotourism model. The Globally acclaimed “Wild Karnataka” movie was screened for the delegates at Jungle Lodges and Resorts.

The visit is part of India’s efforts to shift focus to the climate-change challenges and towards sustainable models of development such as eco-tourism, which can play a vital role, and will balance the needs of the growing economy with necessary measures for protecting the environment.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. V. Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, Director, Karnataka Tourism said, “Karnataka has an abundance of natural beauty, including the Western Ghats, a site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This mountain range is renowned for its great diversity of flora and fauna. The state has 35 wildlife sanctuaries and five national parks. It is also home to over 100 species of animals, and 600 species of birds, including 524 tigers and over 6000 elephants, making Karnataka, truly India’s wildlife capital.

On Thursday, the G20 delegates were given a short insight into the state’s rich biodiversity and stunning wildlife during the excursion”.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: ARTS & CULTURE: Writer Irene Pinto Awarded the ‘Konkani Lekhak Sangh Annual Award 2023’

Irene Pinto has authored several Konkani books, published over 25 short stories, and broadcast several stories over All India Radio, Mangaluru.

Eminent Konkani writer Irene Pinto has been chosen for the Konkani Lekhak Sangh annual award 2023 in recognition of her immense contribution to the language and literature.

The award, carrying a purse of ₹25,000, would be presented to Ms. Pinto on February 25 at 6.30 p.m. at Sandesha Foundation, Bajjodi, said Sangh convener Richard Moras. Former editor of ‘Raknno’ weekly Rev. Fr. Francis Rodrigues and Radhakrishna Bellur, Kannada professor with Government College, Kasargod, would attend the programme.

Established in 2018 to promote Konkani language and literature, the Sangh decided to honour a Konkani writer for her/his contribution to the language and literature from 2022, Mr. Moras told reporters in Mangaluru on February 7 in the presence of Sangh members Dolphy F. Lobo, J.F. D’Souza, Gerald Pinto and Titus Noronha.

Born on November 11, 1945 to Francis Pinto and Piad Mary Pinto in Bejai, Mangaluru, Ms. Pinto is married to Vincent Castelino and has three children. She did her BA at St. Agnes College and B.Ed at St. Ann’s College of Education, both in Mangaluru. She has authored several Konkani books, published over 25 short stories, and broadcast several stories over All India Radio, Mangaluru.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: ACHIEVERS: 9 Personalities Presented State-level ‘Sandesha Awards 2023’

Nine achievers, including an institution, were presented with the State-level ‘Sandesha Awards 2023’, in recognition of their achievements in different fields here on Tuesday.

The awards were presented in a programme attended by, among others, Sandesha Institute chairman and Ballari Bishop Henry D’Souza, Alva’s Education Foundation Chairman M. Mohan Alva, Bishops of Mangaluru and Udupi Diocese Peter Paul Saldanha and Gerald Isaac Lobo respectively, Sandesha Director Sudeep Paul, and others.

The literature awards, Kannada, Konkani and Tulu were presented to Raghavendra Patil, Andrew L. D’Cunha, and Chinnappa Gowda respectively; the media award to Shivaji Ganeshan, the Konkani music award to Joyce Ozario; the art award to M.S. Murthy; the education award to Kotiganahalli Ramaiah; the special award to Prerana Resource Centre, and the best teacher award was presented to Sabiha Bhoomigowda.

Mr. Alva in his address said: “Our cultural, religious and social life and values are compromised amid the growing worldly life and technological advancement. It is unfortunate that we miss many of those persons who nurture the socio-cultural values through their life. The real joy of living a virtuous life is when we work tirelessly and selflessly for society.”

“Human being is a spirit in the world who constantly strives to explore and grow the inner spiritual powers for the betterment of the society. Sandesha awards has displayed and honoured those who have selflessly contributed their resources and inner powers,” said Bishop Rev. Saldanha.

Bishop D’Souza said: “Today we are living in a world where environment, harmony, health, unity, sensitivity, relationship and cooperation are great matters of concern. Let us aspire to build a society without hatred, division and violence.”

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)