Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Feb 11: The first ever state level Yakshagana sammelana was inaugurated on February 11 at MGM College grounds, Kunjibettu.

Shobha Karandlanje, minister for state agriculture and farmers welfare inaugurated the programme.

Speaking on the occasion Shobha Karandlanje said, “Udupi and Karavali have given utmost importance to Yakshagana. It is the lifeline of this region. Everyone watches Yakshagana, it has a magnetic attraction. If the young generation watch Yakshagana they will surely understand the Puranas. Teaching Yakshagana in schools should spread to all over Karnataka. Through Yakshagana children can understand purana, history and Vedas. It is wrong to see Yakshagana through religious lenses. This is the first such programme to be held. There may be controversies and oppositions, this is the first step in the upcoming years that will grow. There is a need to preserve the rich heritage of this art form."

A grand procession was also held on the occasion. Nadoja Dr G Shanker flagged off the procession in Kadiyali Shree Mahishamardini temple. Various stalls related to Yakshagana were also organized.

Dr M Prabhakar Joshi, is the president of the first state level Yakshagana sammelana. The convention will be held for two days on February 11 and 12.

V Sunil Kumar, minister for Kannada and culture department Jayaprakash Hegde, president backward class commission Sumithra Nayak, president Udupi CMC Dr HS Ballal, pro chancellor MAHE Surendra Adiga, president Udupi district Kannada sahitya parishad Murali Kadekar, chief convener Kurma rao, district commissioner Prasanna H, zilla panchayat CEO and others were present on the occasion.

Dr GL Hegde, working president gave the introductory remarks.