Jun 3, 2010
If one intends to render genuine service to the needy he or she can certainly do it in their own little ways. Prathima Kodur is a fine example to this.
Prathima, who is extremely talented in narrating Harikatha, a form of Hindu religious discourse, has dedicated her life to a noble cause. She along with her foster father Ganesh Bhat is providing free education, food, harikatha and bhajan classes to children of Kodur, a remote village in Shimoga district. Prathima's sister, Nagarathna, who now resides in Hubli too is into Harikatha and supports Prathima in her endeavour.
In an institute named ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’, both Prathima and Ganesh Bhat have made sure that the poor children receive all forms of facilities required for their physical and mental well-being. The institute has more than 100 students. Every year notebooks, uniforms, school bags and so on will be distributed to each child. Sweets will be provided to them on special occasions. Along with academic aspects, the children also gain spiritual and mythological knowledge. There is absolutely no room for caste or creed in the place. Children belonging to different religion or castes study with unity.
Flurry of activities take place in the school. Children get ample opportunity to exhibit their talents. It has a meditation hall too. Very soon a mess to cater to food needs of the children will be built. One may wonder how only two people manage funds for all this. It’s all through the medium of Harikatha.
Both Ganesh Bhat and Prathima present Harikatha in various parts of Karnataka as well as other states and whatever funds they earn from it are used for educating children at Satyam Shivam Sundaram.
Harikatha is a composite art form comprising story telling, poetry, music, drama, dance, and philosophy. Any Hindu religious theme may be the subject for the Harikatha. During its peak Harikatha was a popular medium of entertainment, which helped transmit cultural, educational and religious values to the masses.
Prathima who was very much interested in Harikatha right from her childhood days has indeed gained mastery over it. She has narrated over 3,000 harikathas in different programmes so far. She has not even entered into the institution of marriage. Her life’s sole purpose is to fulfill her foster father’s longtime dream.
Geetha, a housewife who got the opportunity to listen to Prathima’s Harikatha at a programme in Nonal recently says, “The way she narrates the story is amazing. I was totally impressed and never thought in this genre somebody can narrate Harikatha in such flawless manner.”
Excelling in and popularizing a form of art which is turning out to be rare these days, and using the talent to help the poor children is truly praiseworthy.
One interested in Harikatha or helping the children at Satyam Shivam Sundaram can contact Prathima Kodur at +91 9449205119
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