Speaking at a press meet here on Tuesday, he said as part of the sammelan, a poets’ meet, laughter meet, talk on media and a meet of Gujarat Kannadigas will be organised.

As part of the cultural programmes, a Bharatanatyam presentation, folk dance, dance-drama and yakshagana performance will be organised. The convention is organised in different places outside the State to spread art and culture of Karnataka. In 2004, the sammelan was organised in Ahmedabad, in 2005 at New Delhi, in 2006 at Mumbai and in 2007 at Goa. An exhibition and book mela will also be organised on the occasion. Over 40,000 Kannadigas reside in Gujarat and the Kannada Sangha has over 450 members.

Hrudayavahini will bring out a special supplement on the occasion. For contributions, non-resident kannadigas can send e-mail to hrudayavahini@yahoo.co.in.

The Hrudayavantharu Award will also be presented on the occasion.

Those who wish to participate in the sammelan can contact editor, Hrudayavahini newspaper, Manjunath Associates, Raghu building, Urwa Store or contact 0824-2455209 or 9343343239, he added. State Kannada Sahitya Parishat former president Harikrishna Punaroor said the sammelan will help develop Kannada in states outside Karnataka and demands will be made to ensure more facilities for Kannadigas in Gujarat.  Over 150 litterateurs and artistes will participate in the event, he added. Samiti working president P S Karanth was also present.