Ash, Narayan Murthy at World Kannada Meet

Belgaum: The Vishwa Kannada Sammelana or World Kannada Meet was inaugurated on Friday evening in Belgaum by Infosys founder, Narayan Murthy. A special appearance was made by actor Aishwarya Rai.

Some writers had objected to the prominence given to Mr Murthy, accusing him of speaking in English at public events rather than Kannada. He countered those arguments with these -  in Kannada. "I have worked in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, Paris so I know some other languages. But in my heart I am always a Kannadiga. My language at home is Kannada - even if my business language is English...When I come to Bangalore and drink the coffee - that is when I feel good," he said to massive applause.

40,000 delegates are attending the three-day literary and cultural event in Belgaum, which is costing the government a reported 30 crores, and is aimed at promoting Karnataka's language and culture.

The choice of Belgaum as a venue is seen as a political point being made to neighbouring Maharashtra, which has argued that the region belongs on the other side of the border.

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Aishwarya Rai had been asked by the Shiv Sena to reject her invite, because the party alleges that Maharashtrians are discriminated against in Belgaum.