Bengaluru Airport to Showcase Kannada Culture for Major Literary Event in December

Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) Managing Director Hari Marar met with senior representatives from the Kannada Development Authority (KDA) and Kannada Sahitya Parishad (KSP) on Monday to discuss strategies to highlight Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage and the Kannada language at the airport. As part of these efforts, there is also consideration for hosting a Literary Event at the airport to further promote Kannada literature and culture.

This meeting follows the airport’s partnership with the KSP for the 87th Akhila Bharatha Kannada Saahitya Sammelana, set to take place in Mandya from December 20-22. During the discussions, KSP and KDA proposed that all flight announcements at Bengaluru airport begin in Kannada. However, BIAL officials explained that such a move would require approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. In response, KSP Chairman Mahesh Joshi committed to writing to the ministry to advocate for this change.

The organizations also advocated for including Kannada in in-flight announcements, though the final decision will rest with individual airlines. They further proposed setting up Kannada book stalls at the airport. However, KDA Chairman Purushottama Bilimale mentioned that airport officials expressed concerns about the potential low demand for these stalls.

Additionally, the groups pushed for more caricatures and statues representing Karnataka’s cultural heritage. In response, BIAL has agreed to increase the number of such statues at the airport. They also plan to create reception desks and photo booths to warmly welcome delegates arriving for the Sammelana. To enhance passenger engagement, the airport will leverage digital media to share event details and organize activities that celebrate and promote the Kannada language and culture.

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