Media Release
Mangaluru, Mar 1: St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), hosted 'ISIRI chapter 2: The legacy of festivals', a vibrant celebration of storytelling through dance on February 27 at LCRI Hall of the University. The event showcased the creative brilliance and passion of eight talented teams, each bringing unique narratives to life through the expressive art of dance drama.
The competition was inaugurated by Vijay Kumar Kodialbail, the esteemed chief guest, alongside Dr Praveen Martis SJ, the vice chancellor. Joining them on stage were teacher coordinators Akshith Kumar and Dr Sandhya Sirsikar, along with student coordinators Kaushik Suvarna, Hansh S Amin, Chirag Bajal, and Sneha D'Souza. The inauguration was eloquently hosted by Pranavi Amin.
Kodialbail in his address highlighted the significance of integrating education with cultural events, emphasizing how such initiatives enhance learning while providing aspiring young artists with meaningful opportunities.
Dr Praveen Martis, SJ further underscored the importance of preserving the region’s rich traditional languages and art forms, reinforcing their cultural and educational value.
A special felicitation ceremony honored three distinguished individuals for their outstanding contributions to the arts. Bennet Ammanna, Abdul Hameed, and Umesh Salian were conferred with the prestigious ISIRI Award and adorned with the Juri Shawl:
Bennet Ammanna is recognized for his relentless efforts in preserving the rich history of Tulunadu.
Umesh Salian, a dedicated Yakshagana artiste who works in laterite stone excavation by day and performs by night, embodying the spirit of perseverance and passion.
Abdul Hameed celebrated for his invaluable contributions to Tulunadu’s cultural heritage through his decades-long work in providing traditional fireworks for festivals and celebrations.
With the generous support of title sponsor Edusphere Overseas, the event was a grand success, leaving a lasting impact on participants and spectators alike. ISIRI chapter 2 not only showcased artistic excellence but also reinforced the deep cultural roots that continue to thrive in the region.