Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jan 20: Renowned Yakshagana artiste, K Govinda Bhat, has been chosen as the president of Akhila Karnataka Yakshagana Sammelan to be held at Town Hall here on January 27, 28, and 29, revealed organizer of the Sammelan, S Pradeep Kumar Kalkura. He was addressing a press conference in the city on Thursday January 19.

Govinda Bhat, a native of Soorikumeru, has served several touring Yakshagana troupes. Since the last four decades, he has been serving Dharmasthalal Yakshagana Troupe as the leading artiste. He has served as the Guru of Sri Dharmasthala Yakshagana Kendra, and trained a number of youngsters. He has written 15 Yakshagana episodes, and won a number of awards including Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, Kalkura Award, Kuriya Vittala Shastri Foundation Award, Sri Vishweshateertha Award, state academy award etc, and has been felicitated at various forums.

The above Sammelan is being held jointly by Karnataka Culture and Art Foundation Bangalore and Kalkura Foundation Mangalore. Various sessions, demonstrations, and performances in different types of Yakshagana like Tenku Tittu, Badagu Tittu, Doddata and Sannata will be presented during the Sammelan, Kalkura said.

S N Panjaje and Janardana Hande were present at the press conference.