The delay by the department of Kannada and culture in finalising the tune to which Kuvempus Naada Geethe (state anthem) is to be set has drawn criticism afresh from writers and litterateurs across the state. The department has been dragging its feet to finalise the official tune for the anthem Jaya Bharata Jananiya (Hail, Daughter of Mother India) for the past 17 years.
The department constituted two panels to decide the tune. While the first committee was reportedly in favour of Mysuru Ananthaswamy composition, the second one was believed to have leaned towards C Ashwaths version. Another committee constituted more recently and headed by senior music artiste HR Leelavathi, meanwhile, has recommended Ananthaswamys composition.