News and Pics by Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (RD/CN)
Udupi, Dec 15: A two-day seminar on ‘Violence and the Performing Arts’ was inaugurated at Dhanyalok auditorium of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) College on Saturday December 13. It was jointly organized by the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, and Regional Resources Centre for Folk Performing Art.
Shimla playwright and critic G P Deshpande after inaugurating the seminar said that all arts across the globe glorified violence in some way. Western art depicts this more than Indian art. We come across the glorification of killing and violence even in top works in western literature, he said. Nonetheless, the Indian cultural hierarchy has also contributed violence and Yakshagana episodes of ‘Sura’ and ‘Asura Kalaga’ glorify the killing of evil forces. This kind of violence has great impact on society. In the backdrop of recent violence in the country, it is advisable to undertake a study to reduce such violence in society, urged Deshpande.
The programme was presided over by Manipal Institute of Communication (MIC) director Dr M V Kamath. MGM College principal Prof Jayaprakash Mavinakuli was also present on the occasion.
Dr Gururaj Popat welcomed the gathering and professor H Krishna Bhat compered the programme.