01-07-2025
88th Kannada Sahitya Sammelan in Ballari set to make history: Zameer Ahmed Khan
The 88th All-India Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, scheduled to take place in Ballari this December, will create history, said Housing, Waqf, and Minority Welfare Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan, who is also the district in-charge Minister for Ballari and Vijayanagara. He promised full support from the State government and the district administration to ensure the event's grand success.
Chairing a preparatory meeting held at the central office of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat in Bengaluru on Tuesday, the Minister stated that it was a matter of pride and good fortune for Ballari to host this literary gathering. He pledged the government's complete cooperation in providing the necessary infrastructure and support, promising a historic and memorable celebration of Kannada literature.
The Minister stressed that the district administration will work in tandem with the Kannada Sahitya Parishat to facilitate the smooth and successful execution of the literary meet.
President of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat Mahesh Joshi noted that five sammelanas were held in undivided Ballari district. He highlighted the significance of the event returning to Ballari after 68 years. He also told the meeting that the executive committee of the parishat had unanimously selected International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq as the president of the sammelana.
Responding to it, Mr. Khan welcomed the decision by terming it as progressive. 'It was a proud moment for the Kannada literary world. Ms. Mushtaq would be the fifth woman and the first woman from a minority community to preside over the Kannada Sahitya Sammelana. Hosting the sammelana in Ballari is a great honour and a matter of personal pride for me,' he said.
Mr. Joshi presented a brief history of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat and the legacy of previous literary conferences. He emphasised the importance of upholding the historical and cultural significance of the sammelana.
Deputy Commissioner Prashanth Kumar Mishra promised that the district administration would extend all necessary support to ensure the success of the event and expressed pride in Ballari being chosen as the host city.
On the occasion, Mr. Khan, who became a life member of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat in 2012, was symbolically presented with a special membership card in recognition of his continued support for the cause of Kannada language and literature.
Later, the Minister and senior officials of the Ballari district administration toured the interior and exterior of the Central Kannada Sahitya Parishat office. They expressed appreciation for the way the site harmoniously blends tradition with modernity.
