Agencies MYSURU, Nov 8: Kannada language through 'bhakti sangeetha' touches the core of the heart directly, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said here on Friday. Sitharaman was speaking at Mysuru Sangeetha Sugandha Festival being organised by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Sangeet Natak Akademi to showcase Karnataka's musical and cultural heritage. The festival, which was inaugurated on November 8 will be held till November 10. Sitharaman during her keynote address said Mysuru Sangeetha Sugandha should aim not just promoting Dasa Keerthana or Carnatic music, but should also use the platform to promote Kannada language. "I understand a lot of emphasis is placed on Carnatic music, on the GI (geographical indication) items from around this area. But personally, I strongly believe Kannada language, through bhakti sangeetha, is something which touches the core of one's heart directly," said Sitharaman, urging the organisers to use that to promote Kannada. She also said Mysuru is the right place for the Sangeetha Sugandha festival, for it is not only home to many stalwarts of Carnatic music but even one of its royal family members - the last ruling Maharaja of Mysuru Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar - was an ardent musician, who has composed a lot of songs.
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