Mangaluru: The Kambala Committee Of Undivided Dakshina Kannada Udupi district celebrated the President’s assent to the bill passed by Karnataka Assembly to legalise traditional buffalo race “Kambala”, by bursting crackers and distributing sweets in the city here on July 4.

President of Kambala Committee Shantharama Shetty Barkooru said, “Kambala is the tradition of Tulunadu. The President on Monday gave his assent to the promulgation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, smoothening the path for conducting Kambala. This is the happiest thing and a great victory for Kambala. Both the union and state governments put their efforts to save Kambala.” He also thanked Union Minister D V Sadananda Gowda for his role in legalising traditional Kambala.

“I also really thank State Law Minister T B Jayachandra, District In-charge Minister B Ramanatha Rai, ministers Pramodh Madwaraj, A Manju, MLA Abhayachandra Jain and all MLAs of undivided Dakshina Kannada Udupi who put their efforts to legalise Kambala.”

“Though the state government had sent the bill for the President’s assent, it was returned, suggesting a minor modification in the bill. In next winter session, the state will pass a fresh amendment in the legislature” he added.

Ashok Kumar Rai, Honourary President of Committee Bhaskar S Kotian and others were present.