Mangaluru: A C Bhandari, the new President of Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy took charge from outgoing President Janaki Brahmavar at a function held at the Tulu Chavadi of Tulu Bhavan at Urvastores.

The new President of the Academy said he would give priority to organising taluk and district level Tulu Sahitya Sammelans by taking everyone into confidence with the objective of promoting Tulu language and culture. Through the Sammelans efforts would also be made to recognise the achievements of local talents, scholars and artistes, he said.

DK District in-charge Minister B Ramanatha Rai who was present as a chief guest, hoped that the Tulu Academy would come up with more meaningful programmes under its new Chief. Dr Viveka Rai, former president of the Academy and former Vice Chancellor of Kannada University, Hampi exuded confidence that Tulu would be included in the eighth schedule of the Constitution during Bhandari’s tenure.