Education becomes more meaningful if it instils cultural values among students, opined Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy chairperson Dr Parvathi Appaiah.
She was delivering the keynote address during the International Women's Day programme observed by Kodava Sahitya Academy and Aimanda Pommakkada Koota, in Maragodu village recently.
Stressing on the need for more reservation for women in education and in the job sector, Dr Parvathi said that girls should not be deprived of education.
Madikeri Government First Grade College lecturer Bodukuttada Radhika Kuttappa said education alone can bring positive development among girls.
During the session, Taluk Panchayat former president Revathi Parameshwar spoke on 'Kalakottaneke Pommakkada Badkal Badalavane'.
Aimanda Divya presented her views on 'Kodagra Samskruthi, Samkraratha Bolachel Avvangada Pathra'.
Books and CDs brought out by Kodava Sahitya Academy were kept for exhibition and sale.
As part of the cultural programmes, students from Kaveri Degree College, Gonikoppa, members of Aimanda Pommakkada Koota and dance troupes from Virajpet performed dances on the occasion.
The best performances were awarded cash prizes, sponsored by Non-resident Indian Aimanda Jagadish.
Prior to the programme, office-bearers of Aimanda Pommakkada Koota and Kodava Sahitya Academy took out a cultural procession in the town.
Pommakkada Koota president Pushpavathi, Maragodu Gram Panchayat president Ayyandra Poornima Shrinivas, academy member Gowramma Madammaiah, academy former president Rani Machaiah, former principal Dr Pushpa Kuttana, academy members Babbira Saraswathi, Prabu Kumar and registrar Ajjikuttira Girish were present, among others.