Bangalore International Centre observed the 51st year of Kannada Rajyothsava on 2nd November, 2007 at 5 PM through an interactive session led by Dr. Vinod Vyasulu. In his thought-provoking observations, Dr. Vyasulu highlighted how Karnataka has over the years welcomed and absorbed several disparate groups of population and in that process evolved a distinct and tolerant identity of its own. He drew attention to the fact that the cosmopolitanism of Karnataka is not necessarily a recent phenomenon, but has been an integral part of its existence. He also noted that Karnataka has played a pioneering role in the fostering of culture and industrial development. However, in terms of development indicators, most of the districts in Karnataka, excepting Bangalore, Dakshin Kannada and Udupi, are as backward as those in Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Dr. Vyasulu sounded a note of caution that unless this problem of backwardness of other districts is squarely tackled, development would be lopsided and existing disparities will magnify manifold.

In the stimulating discussion that followed, several speakers mentioned about political bankruptcy of the leaders and the somewhat somnolent and laid-back attitude of the general public. It was indeed an useful, introspective session.