Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala

Karkala, Jun 10: Dr Tallur Shivarama Shetty, president of the Karnataka Yakshagana Academy, lauded the increasing support Yakshagana is receiving from various organizations, stating that it has significantly eased the academy's work. He noted that the growing number of children's Yakshagana and women's Yakshagana organizations indicates a secure future for this traditional art form.

He was speaking on Sunday while presiding over a felicitation ceremony held in conjunction with the 9th annual performance of the Yakshagana 'Raja Dileepa' by Sri Durgaparameshwari Mahila Samskrutika Kala Sangha in Karkala taluk. The event was co-organized by the Karnataka Yakshagana Academy, Bengaluru, and the Kannada and culture department, Udupi district.

Dr Tallur emphasized the academy's eagerness to promote such programmes. He highlighted that there is no shortage of talented individuals in Yakshagana, and aspiring artists can secure a bright future for their art institutions by choosing qualified gurus and learning the intricacies of Yakshagana dance. He praised the achievements of Sri Durgaparameshwari Mahila Samskrutika Kala Sangha as exemplary, expressing his delight upon learning that women ranging from young children to 84-year-olds are learning Yakshagana at the institution.

"Yakshagana has no age limits or other restrictions. The desire to learn is what transforms them into artists," he remarked. He extended his best wishes to Shodhan Kumar Shetty and Rooprani, the couple who have consistently supported and encouraged the art troupe, hoping their service to the arts continues.

Call for Yakshagana to be declared a state art form

Dr M Mohan Alva, head of Alva's Education Foundation in Moodbidri, stressed the need for Yakshagana to be declared a state art form. He urged the Yakshagana academy, artistes, and critics to collectively work towards this goal. He opined that if arts like Yakshagana are integrated into education from an early stage, individuals would develop a profound aesthetic sense, becoming invaluable assets to the nation. He warned that those lacking aesthetic appreciation could pose a significant danger to the country, while those with it would love their nation, art, and nature.

Women's increasing participation in Yakshagana hailed

Poornima, assistant director of the Kannada and culture department, acknowledged that while Yakshagana is often identified as a male art form, there are no rules preventing women from learning it. She expressed joy at the large number of women now practicing this art, affirming that Yakshagana's future is undoubtedly bright and will continue to flourish.

The programme was inaugurated by Vignesh Bhat, who offered his best wishes. P Kishan Hegde, convener of Saligrama Mela, and entrepreneurs Muniyalu Uday Kumar Shetty, Ravindra Shetty, Shodhan Kumar Shetty, Suhas Hegde Nandalike, Suggi Sudhakar Shetty, Uday Shetty, and renowned Udupi music scholar Lakshminarayana Upadhyay were also present.

During the event, Shodhan Kumar Shetty and Rooprani were honoured for their continuous support to Sri Durgaparameshwari Mahila Samskrutika Kala Sangha. Yakshagana guru Badanidiyoor Keshava Rao and Yakshagana artist and Kittur Rani Chennamma awardee Poornima Yatish Rai were felicitated as gurus.

Shashikala Uday Shetty welcomed the gathering, and Sainath Shetty compered the event. Following the felicitation ceremony, Sri Durgaparameshwari Mahila Samskrutika Kala Sangha presented the Yakshagana performance 'Raja Dileepa'.