‘If govt can’t, we’ll take care of Kannada’

The 77th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, which concluded on Sunday, evoked mixed reaction from participants and visitors. Most Bangaloreans and lakhs who gathered at the venue from various parts of the state, returned to their respective places with certain decisions.

"If the government fails to show the special care and love towards Kannada, we have to search for Kannada in Karnataka," said professor G Venkatasubbaiah, president of the event. A large number of Kannada flags were aflutter at the Sammelana as many people witnessed the event with their children. Most of them were happy to participate and watch their favourite writers.

The large gathering, however, dented the spirits of some people who struggled to gain entry into the book exhibition held as part of the event. Due to this, some people were unable to purchase the books they intended to buy and returned empty handed.

Some visitors, who were not allowed without a pass, had to argue it out with the police deployed at the venue.

The event also had its share of medical cases. Seven people were admitted to hospitals and over 450 were injured during the meet.

There were also reports of senior citizens falling sick at the Sammelana. Alert doctors deployed at the venue attended the senior citizens. As many as seven citizens, who developed ailments, were rushed to hospitals after first aid at the health centre put up by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike.

Over 25 doctors, 40 paramedical staff and 15 others were on duty apart from 10 ambulances and four beds at the health centre.
"Seven people who had cardiac arrest, were rushed to Jayadeva Hospital, Trinity Hospital and Victoria Hospital. Five of them were outstation visitors," said health officer Dr Vijaya Kumar S Biradar.
The injured were treated at the health centre put up in association with various hospitals.