Pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (SP)

Mumbai, Oct 17: Sadananda Suvarna Cultural Foundation celebrated ‘Karanthotsava – 2011’ in association with Karnataka Sangha Mumbai on the evening of Saturday October 15 at Samarasa Bhavan of Karnataka Sangha at Matunga (west) here.

Speaking in the capacity of the chief guest of the function after garlanding the portrait of Dr Karanth and lighting a lamp, Bannanje Sanjeeva Suvarna, principal of Yakshagana Kendra Udupi, said that Dr Karanth was very affectionate towards the artistes trained by him. “The artistes did not show the same love and affection towards their master. If they had, the Yakshagana ballet conceptualized and popularized by Dr Karanth would not have been in the despicable position it is in today. One should understand that art should be our life, and art should not be adopted as a means of living,” he analyzed.

He concurred that Dr Karanth used to express his anger and love towards everyone in equal measure. “He was a great scholar with a child’s mind, who had realized that art should never be on sale. He was a harbinger of culture, not against traditional Yakshagana as some want to believe,” he added.

Suvarna handed over prizes to winners of various competitions held on the occasion. In his introductory address, founder of the said cultural foundation, Sadananda Suvarna, noted that no other litterateur has achieved the variety and richness of subjects as Dr Karanth did. He said that his foundation has been working to introduce to the people different facets of Dr Karanth’s persona by organising these programmes.

Noted auditor, Subba Rao, and his wife, were felicitated on the occasion. Dr Bharat Kumar Polipu, honorary general secretary of Karnataka Sangha, who secured his PhD degree recently, and Dr Eshwar Alevoor, editor of ‘Akshaya’ Kannada monthly, were also honoured.

Rashmi, Rajani Shetty, and Tanuja Bhat gave the programme an auspicious beginning through their melodious prayer. Sangha president, Dr G D Joshi, welcomed. Karanthotsava Committee president, Dr Vyasa Rao Ninjoor, introduced the guests. Gopal Trasi presented the programme. Secretary, S K Sundar, proposed vote of thanks.

A Yakshagana demonstration was held by Bananje Sanjeeva Suvarna as part of the cultural programme on this occasion.