As Shravanabelagola, well known pilgrimage and tourist spot, is gearing up to host '81st All India Kannada Sahitya Sammelana' of Kannada Sahitya Parishat, a youth from Haveri is busy spreading the message about the conference.
24-year-old Gopal has set out on a bicycle tour from his home town in North Karnataka and is planning to cover all the 30 districts before commencement of the three-day Kannada literary meet on February 1.
Studied upto second year Pre-University, Mr. Gopal set out on his 'Kannada akshara jatre' on November 23. So far, he had covered Haveri, Hubballi, Davanagere, Chamarajnagar, Ramanagar, Bengaluru districts and entered Kolar a couple of days ago. He continued his tour through Chickballapur district.
Mr. Gopal instantly attracted the attention of people with his red and yellow coloured clothes symbolizing the Kannada flag. Also, his bicycle has been coloured with the same colours and carried the Kannada flag. People flock him as he enters every village, town and city.
“I am happy that people receive me with love and affection and inquire about my health”, says Mr. Gopal. While appreciating his love for Kannada, people voluntarily arrange for his food and stay the night.
This is second such journey for Mr. Gopal. He toured on his bicycle when the 80th meet was held in Haveri last year. However, he was not happy about that tour as he could not cover entire Karnataka. “I have decided to cover all the districts this time around to take the message of Kannada conference to more people”, he said.
Twin message
Spreading the message of environment protection was also his motto. Though he could have opted for a motorcycle for the purpose, he chose bicycle to propagate the importance of environment conservation.
The message written on the rear side of his bicycle read, “Cycle Balasi, Indhana Ulisi, Parisara Samrakshisi” (Use cycle, save fuel and preserve environment).
Photo Caption: LOVE FOR KANNADA: Youth from Haveri, Gopal, spreading the message of Sahitya Sammelana through bicycle tour.
