Udupi: 'Parichaya' Forum for Culture, Arts, Literature Launched at Pamboor

By Dr Eugene D'Souza, Moodubelle

Udupi, Jan 23: As the sun was setting in the western horizon prompting the cool breeze to blow across the green vegetation of the discrete village of Pamboor, ‘Parichaya’, a forum for promoting culture, arts and literature was born in the primness of the Holy Cross Church, Pamboor in a grand inaugural function that started right in time at 6 pm in the presence of eminent personalities and appreciating audience.

The inaugural function began with the ‘Naadageete’ presented by the students of Sri Naryanaguru English Medium School, Pamboor at 6 pm following which the dignitaries were invited to the dais. The dignitaries included: Fr Charles Lewis, parish priest of the Holy Cross Church, Pamboor, K Ravi Bhat, popular television artist; K S Sridhar Murthy, retired Kannada lecturer from St Mary’s College, Shirva; John Monis, editor of the Konkani monthly - ‘Dirvem’, Vincent Alva, honorary president of ‘Parichaya’; Anil D’Sa, president and Prakash Noronha, secretary.

Vincent Alva in his introductory cum welcome address traced the circumstances that led to the formation of ‘Parichaya’. He said that, our land has been a land of rich cultural heritage. As part of this heritage there used to be various cultural activities. There was an interest in art, literature, music and folklore. There were renowned artists, scholars, dramatists and Yakshagana experts. A large number of people used to muster whenever there was any performance by traditional artists and people’s response to such cultural activities was quite positive. Irrespective of language, religion and community, people collectively used to enjoy and appreciate such cultural, dramatic or Yakshagana performances.

However, due to modern influences such as television, computers, mobiles and other means of entertainment, as people’s life got entangled in increasing technological rigmarole, their interest in the cultural heritage of the land began to wane. There is not only lack of acquaintance (Parichaya) of the rich cultural heritage among the modern generation, people in general have lost interest and appreciation of their own culture, arts and literature. Hence, Vincent Alva continued that with the aim of generating an interest among the people and promoting arts, culture and literature, the ‘Parichaya’ forum took shape and he along with the office bearers and members in particular and connoisseurs of arts, culture and literature in general are happy that ‘Parichaya’ is being inaugurated in the presence of eminent personalities and a large number of audience. Vincent Alva also formally welcomed the dignitaries on the dais.

Delivering the benedictory message, Fr Charles Lewis said that our culture is lagging behind as we make progress and expressed happiness that likeminded persons have joined to establish ‘Parichaya’ to promote arts, culture and literature and asked for God’s blessings on this forum so that it may fulfil its aims and objectives.

At this occasion, two Konkani books-‘Karandaya’ (Collection of articles) written by Vincent Alva and ‘Tum Hason Jiye’ (Collection of jokes) written by Walter Monteiro were released by John Monis, editor of the popular Konkani monthly ‘Dirvem’. Lukas D’Souza introduced these books and their authors. John Monteiro who has been well-known for his Konkani plays including ‘Shegunachi Soon’ and writing was honoured by Fr Charles Lewis with shawl, garland, fruit plate and the memento of ‘Parichaya’ while Prakash Noronha read out the citation.

Speaking at this occasion, John Monis said that every individual has a story to tell and would like to convey certain messages, but many are inhibited and lack the spirit of writing. Such individuals should write down whatever they observe and feel about the happenings in their surroundings. He said that ‘Karandaya’ is the result of the series of articles that Vincent Alva had written in ‘Dirvem’ over a period of time, over 160 of them.

‘Parichaya’ was formally inaugurated by K S Sridhar Murthy along with other dignitaries on the dais by formally lighting the lamp. Thereafter, a power point presentation about ‘Parichaya’ was launched by Sridhar Murthy by pressing a key on the laptop.

In his address after the inauguration of ‘Parichaya’, Sridhar Murthy said that the aims and objectives of the forum are most appropriate and termed the attempt by the group of organisers as nothing less than an adventure and wished them well. He greatly appreciated the logo of ‘Parichaya’ that was designed by Apoorva Vosta who is originally from Bihar. He explained the meaning of the logo as he interpreted it.

K Ravi Bhat, the eminent TV artist, in his presidential message appreciated the efforts of ‘Parichaya’ to acquaint the modern generation with our rich cultural heritage. He also pointed out that rather than blaming TV for all the evils, it would be better if the family members collectively took a decision that they would spend more or at least equal time that they spend watching TV in reading, studying or doing other useful tasks. He made an appeal to the organisers of ‘Parichaya’ to inculcate the habit of reading among the children, youth and even adults by building up of a library and promised help in this direction.

The dignitaries on the dais were honoured by presenting mementos to them by Vincent Alva and Prakash Noronha. The donors were next honoured by presenting them flowers by Ignatius D’Souza as Ivan Peter, Treasurer of ‘Parichaya’ read out the names of the donors.

Anil D’Sa, president of ‘Parichaya’ proposed the vote of thanks. Mohandas Shetty compeered the entire programme.

The stage programme was followed by scintillating cultural presentation. Nritya Niketana Kodavooru Udupi presented four classical and folk group dances which were appreciated by the audience. The dances included the ‘Dashavatara’ classical ballet dance, the childhood pranks of Krishna and the dance by children to the tune of a song penned by the legendary Da Ra Bendre.

Pattabhiraya Sullia regaled the audience through his vintage jokes, mimicry of the voice of children and drunkards, sounds of sirens, aeroplane, locomotive and various animals and birds. He also enacted the role plays of different chief ministers of Karnataka and mesmerised the audience through the shadow play.

The final cultural presentation was the award winning experimental Tulu play “Court Martial” presented by the Karavali Kalavidaru, Udupi. The play written originally in Hindi by Swadesh Deepak was translated into Tulu by M Janaki Brahmavara and was directed by Jayaram Nilavara.