Individuals, who had excelled in their respective fields and had contributed to the country in their own way, were invited for this event.
Aishwarya Rai, a household name who has represented India in the international arena as a model, actress and social worker, dazzled at the World Kannada Sammelan in a traditional avatar. She looked stunning in a saree.
The crowds, amounting approximately 6.5 lakh people, burst into a roar as Aishwarya set to light the inaugural lamp. The actress was accompanied by her mother to the Sammelan.