Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 9: ELC and CFAL will host a series of public cultural events this week as part of Connected Wisdom, the month-long celebration of literature, heritage, and science.
The upcoming programmes will put light on the rich cultural, linguistic, and artistic traditions of coastal Karnataka through sessions led by distinguished scholars and artistes.
Three key programmes are open to all interested participants.
December 10: Book signing with Dr Janardhan Rao Havanje
A public book signing for Modepu: Karavaliya Kala Itihasa by Dr Janardhan Rao Havanje will be held at the TLC Art Café on December 10, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This session will offer literature enthusiasts, educators, artists, and community members the opportunity to meet the author and engage with this important work documenting 34 posthumous artistes from coastal Karnataka.
Recipient of the Karnataka Lalitkala Akademi Book Award 2025, Dr Havanje has spent the past 22 years researching and reviving Kaavi art, the red-and-white mural tradition distinctive to the Konkan coast. Modepu, published by Art Kanara Trust, brings long-overlooked artists and traditional practices into the historical spotlight.
For the past 22 years, Dr Havanje has been actively engaged in reviving Kaavi art—researching, documenting, and preserving this distinctive form across temples, mosques, churches, basadis, homes, and community spaces throughout the region. He has also conducted workshops for students at CFAL and ELC.
December 11: Study Circle on Konkani Identity
On December th, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, ELC will host ‘The Study Circle on Konkani Identity – the People, the Language, and their Living Heritage’ at the TLC Café.
The session will be facilitated by Dr Prem Moras and Jason Pinto, SDB, who will lead a reflective discussion on Konkani language, its dialects, and its enduring cultural identity. This open-to-all gathering will invite the community to explore how language shapes belonging and heritage along the coast.
December 13: Yakshagana performance by a team led by Prithviraj Kavathar
The festival will continue December 13 with a special Yakshagana performance by a team led by Prithviraj Kavathar. The performance will begin at 4:00 PM at the CFAL campus, Akash Bhavan campus.
The presentation will bring to life the timeless tale of Krishna and Sudama, celebrating friendship, humility, and spirituality through Yakshagana’s dynamic blend of expressive dance, music, dialogue, and traditional costume.
About Connected Wisdom
Connected Wisdom is ELC and CFAL’s initiative to bring children, educators, and the wider community together with storytellers, authors, artists, and specialists from diverse fields. By providing direct engagement with experts from diverse fields, the initiative nurtures curiosity, empathy, and appreciation for heritage. So far, Amrita Shah, Priya Muthukumar, Nandita Jayaraj, Chandini Chhabra, Nester Fernandes, Mamatha Rai, Praveen Alva, and many others have conducted sessions, meaningful experiences that link learning with living traditions. This week’s events continue that mission by highlighting the coastal region’s unique artistic, linguistic, and cultural heritage. In the weeks ahead, the celebrations will continue with Roopa Pai, Abhisheka Krishnagopal, Lata Rao, Thulasi Maddineni IAS, and many more inspiring voices taking the stage.
For more details:
Visit www.elcindia.org or call +91 6360238816