Speaking after inaugurating ‘Shrishti Stithi Laya’, a painting camp on ‘artists’ impressions of the Mangalore Special Economic Zone’ (MSEZ) organised by the Karavali Karnataka Janabhivridhi Vedike (KKJV) at the Bishop Jathanna Auditorium here on Sunday, Kodialbail said that only media can create awareness on preservation of environment and protection of culture. “Awareness on culture and traditions of Tulunadu have increased globally. As the region is gearing up to hold a World Tulu convention, more awareness should be created to protect the land, water and culture of Tulunadu,” he added.

Kodialbail said that a demand for a separate Tulunadu state has already been raised by the Tuluvas. “Let us protect the Tulunadu first, before demanding a state,” he added.
He said that the 100th performance of his Tulu drama ‘Kode - Ini - Elle’ will be dedicated to KKJV, which fights for the rights of villagers in the region, who face the threat of land acquisition for mega industry projects like MSEZ.

Veteran artist Ganesh Somayaji said that the paintings exhibited in the exhibition were created by 24 artists of coastal districts. “We visited Kudubipadavu, Permude, Kalavaru, Yekkaru, Kuthethooru, Bala and other villages which is being acquired for the MSEZ project. Paintings were all created by artists according to their imaginations after interacting with the villagers,” he added.

“We are not against development. However, development should not be at the cost of poor farmers and villagers. Fertile four-crop agricultural fields are being acquired for mega industries without conducting a carrying capacity of the region,” he alleged.
Somayaji said that the paintings will be exhibited in villages and in art galleries in the days to come. “A painting can create more impact and awareness than a photograph,” he opined.

St Aloysius College lecturer Dr Ganesh Amin Sankamar and KKJV President Madhukar Amin were present on the occasion.