The lovers of books and for the lovers of culture here is beautiful volume: "The Land Called South Kanara" on the rich cultural heritage of undivided South Kanara or better still "Tulunadu". Simple language, beautiful
photographs on the subjects as varied as history and tribals, churches and temples, yakshagana and Folk-arts, Kambala and Boothakola, have blossomed in to the, first of its kind volume. Printed in imported art
paper, a size of coffee table book, this book makes a rare attempt to showcase the glorious culture and heritage of South Kanara.

Author William Pais

Cultural Ambassadors of South Kanara The brain behind this project is its author William Pais. Deeply proud of the cultural heritage, it took upon to the risky proposition of documenting the heritage of the district, therefore becoming the cultural ambassador. When asked about the inspiration behind the whole task he replies, of his deep love for the diverse culture of the place. The idea was first mooted when he saw a similar book on Bombay. Resigned to his job of medical representative, he involved himself with this project for three years. The fruit of three years of hard-work, wide travel throughout the district, has  ulminated to this edition.

The picture of Kambla the trademark sport of Tulunadu being the front-page cover, tella at first instance that the book belongs to South Kanara. Open the pages, you will be led to the festival of sights that are native to the region.  The ten chapters in the book, give you vivid account of the lifestyle of people of Tulunadu.
Each chapter is separated with a picture, relating to the chapter, against the background of solid black. Every page gives you the expression the architects of this mega volume have taken immense pain to
portray the culturally rich South Kanara. There is no doubt that this book will be model for the book making, as it is, a first in its category on South Kanara or may even be so in Karnataka.

The photographs of Kunjaragiri Temple, Sulthan Batthery Port, Attur St. Lawrence festival, Gomateshwara, paintings of St. Aloysius College Chapel, ritual art of Boothkola, tribal lifestyle, etc are the photographs to be looked at over and over.

The first thought occurred to me when I first saw the book, that it will be a good thing to see books coming, on every district of Karnataka. An effort of this magnitude has to be supported by all the lovers of culture belonging to South Kanara. So that the next generation is atleast shown the glimpses of their homeland. Although the first edition of this volume was sold out within a short time, it was hard to break even as the cost involved was on the higher side. The second edition is now under print and will be a reduced one. A historical document of this kind has to be owned by all, especially by those, who are geographically distanced from their homeland.

The photographer, Vincent Mendonca, a photo journalist with American Image News Service, whose creative outlook has produced outstanding photography.

The funds involved were to the tune of 14 lakhs, as book was devoid of any advertisement or sponsor, author himself published the volume. Although priced at the higher end of Rs.2,295 in India and $ 79 internationally, when one sees the quality, value and historical importance, its not a surprise it is priced less in its category. This book comes when, in the younger generation, the love for the art is on the verge of downward trend, as cultural awakening.

Imageflex Publishers, 6-29, Jawahar Jyothi , Nagori,
Mangalore
Tel: +91 824 2436520, +91 824 667520
Fax: +91 824 2437523
Email: wpais@indiatimes.com