As per the instructions received from the office of the Director General, ASI, New Delhi, the inaugural function to mark the beginning of year-long celebration was organized at Bangalore jointly by Bangalore and Dharwad Circles on the 30^th December, 2011. His Excellency, the Governor of Karnataka Shri Hans Raj
Bharadwaj inaugurated the function. .Hon'ble Minister for Kannada & Culture was the Chief Guest. The Regional Director (South), ASI presided over the function.

On the occasion retired archaeologists, epigraphists, scientists and conservators who had made outstanding contribution were felicitated. This list was sent to the Director General for approval. The guests and the retired officers of ASI were presented specially designed mementos.

Main function

The inaugural function was kick started with the arrival of His Excellency the Governor of Kamataka and the Hon'ble Minister for Kannada & Culture, Government of Kamataka at the venue. Both of them were invited to the Dias and the function began with the National Anthem. Besides H.E. the Governor of Karnataka and the Hon'ble Minister of Kannada & Culture, Government of Kamataka, Dr. S.V. Venkateshaiah, Regional Director (South), ASI; Dr. S.V.P. Halakatti and Shri
G.S. Narasimhan, Superintending Archaeologists of Dharwad and Bangalore Circles respectively, were on the dais. Dr. S.V.P. Halakatti, S.A., Dharwad Circle, while welcoming the Guests to the function, gave a brief introduction ofthe Guests to the well attended (more than 400 in number) audience. The welcome address was followed by presentation of bouquets to the Guests.

An introductory address was made by Shri G.S. Narasimhan, S.A., Bangalore Circle. He gave a brief account of the important achievements made by the ASI since its inception up to date in India in general and important activities and achievements in Kamataka. He said that proposals to send a tentative list of monuments like Gommateswara Statue at Shravanabelagola, Hoysala monuments at Halebid, Belur and Somanathpur, for inclusion in the World Heritage Sites by the
UNESCO is in offing. He added that the ASI is planning to introduce Comprehensive Joint Heritage Management Plan at the Hampi World Heritage Site.

His Excellency the Governor of Kamataka Shri Hans Raj Bharadwaj by lighting the lamp declared open the Photo Exhibition showcasing the outstanding monuments and important conservation works carried out by the ASI in Bangalore and Dharwad Circles. The exhibition comprised various sections devoted to  chemical conservation, epigraphy, horticulture, etc The official websites of Bangalore (www.asibangalorecircle.org) and Dharwad Circles (www.asidharwadcircle.org) were also launched on this occasion.

On this occasion, both Bangalore and Dharwad Circles had also arranged for the release of 150 nos. of brochures on major and important centrally protected monuments in Kamataka. Sri Govinda Karajola, Hon'ble Minister for Kannada & Culture, Government of Karnataka had released the publications.