MANGALORE, August 3, 2009: Dr. Mohan Alva chairman of the Alva’s Education Foundation of Moodbidri called for widespread recognition of young talents and cultural activities. He was inaugurating the Prathibanweshane (talent hunt) organized by the joint committees of Bunt association of Mangalore on Sunday August 2, 2009.
 
The Prathibanehwshane 2009 as it is called will hunt for talents and make them rise in popularity and visibility. Dr. Alva said India was culturally very diverse which is one of the strengths of the country. This diversity has varied aspects of culture hidden in it.  Culture, language, cuisine were the signs of a vibrant civilization which should be protected by the people. He cited the example of China, where due to modernity the culture there was being wiped out which should not happen to India, he added.

India’s cultural traits were very strong, its family values, cultural values and people’s life values were based on strong basis which cannot be shaken by cultural invasion by the west, Dr Alva said.

Dr. Alva stated that due to the fact that India’s cultural basis was strong the other countries were now trying to emulate the steps taken by India to strengthen their own cultures.  He said even when there was global recession India had not retracted from its commitment to culture which is the reason why its culture was so firm he added.
 
Mr. Ajit Kumar Rai Maladi president of the Federation of Bunts Association who presided over the function stated on this occasion that Bunts Associations were trying to protect the culture of Dakshina Kannada. Others who were present on the occasion included Raviraj Shetty, Manjunath Bhandary, Balakrishna Shetty, Chandrahasa Shetty, Jayashree Amarnath Shetty and Umesh Rai.
 
Dr. Asha Jyothi Rai, convener of the programme earlier welcomed, Sharath Shetty and Purushottam Bhandary compered the programme and Sathish Shetty Kodialbail thanked.