<span style="color: #222222;">Karnataka is celebrating Kannada Rajyotsava today. It was on this day in 1956 when all the Kannada language-speaking regions of South India were merged to form the state of Karnataka. Mysore state comprising area of the princely state of Mysore was merged with the Kannada speaking areas of Bombay and Madras presidencies and also areas that were part of Hyderabad nizam principalities. The newly unified state was initially named as Mysore, but in 1973 it was renamed as Karnataka when Devaraj Urs was the Chief Minister of the state. During the 65th year of Rajyotsava, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa will hoist the Kannada flag and address the people of the state.  Every year Rajyotsava Award is given to prominent personalities on the occasion of Rajyotsava. This year 60 eminent persons and five organisations have been selected for the award. The persons are chosen for their valuable contribution in 25 fields including literature, music, dance, Education, Science, sports and social service. The award comprises one lakh rupees cash prize, a 20 gram gold medal and a citation. This year, the award function is organised on November 7. The Chief Minister will honour the Rajyotsava awardees on that day.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended Karnataka Rajyotsava greetings to his sisters and brothers of Karnataka. In a tweet, Mr Modi said that powered by the strength and skills of the people of the state, Karnataka is scaling new heights of progress. He said,  he  prays for the happiness and good health of the people of Karnataka.</span>