Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Jan 11: Mantra Natyakala Gurukula Dance Institute, Ullal in a humane gesture has collected contributions from the parents of a departed dance student, donors and other students to treat two cancer infected children.

The institute was started 11 years ago in the village to impart knowledge of Bharatanatyam and the beauty of traditional classical dances. The institute has held dance performances in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sri Lanka.

Shruti Bekal (22), a dance student who grew up under the tutelage of the institute  passed away recently. She was a computer science engineering graduated and was a Bharatanatyam student in the institute. She had participated in several dance events.  

The institute has started a fund in memory of Shruti under her name. Shruti's father will be handing over to the families of two poor cancer infected children  donations collected by the institute during Gurukula Utsava – 2024 to be held at Ullal on January 14.

Dance teacher Shravan Kumar Ullal told news persons at a press conference held at Ullal Press Club in Thokkottu Seva Saudha that Gurukula Utsava – 2024 will be inaugurated at 10 am on January 14.

Recipient of Shanta Natya award, Ullal Mohan Kumar will light the lamp. Skandana cooperative society director Venkatesh will inaugurate the event. Chandrahasa Ullal, president of Cheerumbha Bhagavati Temple, Ullal will preside over the programme. Managing trustee Gangadhar Ullal, treasurer Umesh Benjanapadav and Kannada and culture department assistant director Rajesh G Gaurav will be present.

Oncology division head Dr Najib Behmad Mohammed will be speaking about the deadly sickness of cancer. Urwa police station inspector Bharati G will speak as a resource person about the security of women and girls.

The Kala Mantryaka award will be presented and the keynote address will be given by Vittal Nayak Kalladka. Founder president Shakila Janardhan, trustees Kiran Ullal, Shaina Shravan and Babita Kiran were present.