Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Oct 13: Chairman of Moodbidri Alva's Education Foundation Dr Mohan Alva unveiled a sculpted portrait of the late Dr Shivaram Karant on raised metal, put up at 'Manasa' in Saligram in the district, at the inaugural of the 'Rangakala Samvatsara 2008-09' programme undertaken on the occasion of the 107th birth anniversary of the late Dr Shivaram Karant, legendary Kannada writer and Yakshagana exponent and the decennial celebrations of the Yakshagana Kendra.

"The students and the youth of today suffer from lack of knowledge about our culture. Reason for this phenomenon can be attributed to the shortage of people who guide them properly, he opined, speaking thereafter.

The enthusiasm Karant showed in living life in a fulfilling manner should be imbibed by every one. The exhibition art for which Karant worked hard has attained a high place in the world of art. Because of Karant, the folk art of Yakshagana is alive and vibrant even now, Alva felt.

"Our ancestors added finesse and glitter to classical art forms. If we pass on the essence of art and culture to our students, art forms will never face danger. If the youngsters inherit from us the strength and resolve to successfully face onslaughts on art forms, the art forms will live on," he said.

A collection of opinions from various writers, titled 'Hattiradinda Kanda Hattaru Mukhagalu', edited by president of Dr Kota Shivaram Karant Research and Study Centre Malini Mallya, was released by Kundapur Bhandarkars College lecturer Prof Paravati Aithal. Aithal spoke on the occasion, recalling Karant's life and activities.