Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Jun 1: Yakshagana Academy president Kumble Sundar Rao is a frustrated and thoroughly disappointed man now, after being the president of the state Yakshagana Academy for one year. "Even after once year since the inception of Yakshagana Academy, it does not have proper office premises, staff and other facilities. The Academy office wears a deserted look with no facility," he explained. He was speaking after presiding over the inaugural of the decennial celebrations of holding 'artistes conventions' here on Sunday, May 31.
"If we go on complaining, it is deduced as government-bashing. The department which is expected to extend facilities to the Academy is with the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister holds several portfolios. He was personally approached several times for the facility. However, because of the work pressure, He has not been able to attend to our requirements" he rued.
"When I took over as the president of the state Yakshagana Academy, I had planned to announce 'Parti Subba' award in additional to special awards to 10 chosen artistes every year. The Academy has enough funds for the same. However, when I mooted the idea, I was given to understand that rules do not permit such initiatives. It takes a couple of years to properly understand rules and by then the tenure of the president would have approached the fag end," he criticized.
Dr Prabhakar Shishila was felicitated on the occasion. In his address, Shishila said that art is a medium of striking coordination. An artiste grows out of the boundaries of castes and religions. Yakshagana was, in the primitive stages, given fillip by the downtrodden people. This art should remain a folk art and should not be allowed to be a puppet in the hands of capitalists," he argued.
Shishila also opined that most of the Yakshagana artistes are not conscious about our history and mythologies. Therefore, senior Yakshagana artistes who have matured because of their rich experiences should write their biographies, he advised.
The programme was inaugurated by managing trustee of Ambalpady Sri Janardana and Mahakali Temple Dr Ni Bi Vijay Ballal. Former Lions governor Suresh Shetty was present.
Dr Shishila, who presented 'Yakshopasane', biography of K Govind Bhat, top Yakshagana artiste of Tenkutittu style, was felicitated.
Bhagawats Raghavendra Mayya and Balipa Prasad Bhagawat rendered the prayer. Yakshagana Kalaranga president Tallur Shivaram Shetty welcomed.