Kannada Sahitya Bhavan Trust and Chutuku Sahitya Parishat organised a special lecture on the contribution of unforgettable great personalities in Belagavi on Friday last.

Senior journalist Murugesh Shivapuji spoke about the contribution of Hermann Moegling, a 19th century German missionary who started the first Kannada newspaper Mangalooru Samachara in 1843.

He said that Rev. Moegling’s contribution to Kannada is unforgettable as he wrote and published books on Kannada language and literature.

“Being born in Germany, he served the cause of Kannada. The people of the State remain eternally grateful to him,” he said.

Writer Asha Yamakanamaradi spoke about the life and contribution of poet and film lyricist from Belagavi Bhujendra Mahishavadi.

She said that his song Bellane Belagayitu from the Kannada film Sangolli Rayanna was made immortal by Lata Mangeshkar who sang it.

Ms. Yamakanamaradi also sang the song.

Members Basavaraj Gargi, Anand Puranik, L.S. Shastri, R.B. Katti, Basavaraj Jagajampi, C.K. Jorapur, Sudha Patil, Sunita Desai and others were present, said a release.