Moodbidri: Thousands of people in and around the world witnessed the inauguration of Alvas Virasat -2015, cultural event which will be held for four days at the Vidyagiri palace ground.

Hosted by Alvas educational foundation, the virasat was inaugurated by Dakshina Kannada incharge minister B Ramanath Rai here on January 8.

On the occasion Rai said that cultural programmes have the power to spread harmony and brotherhood which is done by Alvas institutions must be appreciated, he said.

NITTE education trust president Dr Vinaya Hegde presided over the function.

Dr M Mohan Alva, director of the Alvas foundation delivered the introductory address. On the occasion he said that Virasat is being held so that all including people from village area enjoy the art and cultural extravaganza along with people from cities. This event is for for common people, they too must enjoy the rich art and cultural events that is the purpose of Virasat, he added.

A mammoth folk-cultural procession was taken out prior to the inauguration.

Vidhana Parishad member Capt Ganesh Karnik, Canara bank director V S Krishna Kumar, Karnataka Bank director Jayaram Bhat, SCDCC bank director Dr Rajendra Kumar, former MLA Amarnath Shetty, Alvas educational institution trustee Jayashree Amarnath Shetty, Ramachandra Shetty, Meenakshi Alva, Nadoja Dr G Shanker, Suresh Bhandary Mumbai were present.

Venugopal Shetty compered the programme.