Media Release
Bengaluru, Jan 11: A two-day national-level seminar on the theme “Bemmer and Lekkesiri – Diverse Perspectives” was successfully held at the Alliance University campus under the joint auspices of Tulu World Foundation and Alliance University.
Inauguration and keynote address
The programme was inaugurated by Surekha Shetty, registrar general, Alliance University, who, in her inaugural address, emphasised that the study of regional cultures and belief systems should be an integral part of university academic activities. She assured that the university would extend its support for the study and promotion of regional languages.
The chief speaker, renowned Tulu folklore scholar Dr Ganesh Amin Sankamaar, stated that “the primordial worship traditions of Tulunadu, Bemmer and Lekkesiri, are not merely belief systems but living records of the region’s cultural history.”
Seminar sessions
Over the course of two days, three academic sessions were conducted.
• In the first session, Dr Y N Shetty and Dr B Janardhana Bhat presented their research papers.
• The second session featured scholarly presentations by Dr Lakshmi G Prasad and Dr Manjula P, who shared in-depth research findings.
• On the second day, Dr Kishore Kumar Rai Sheni, Jayalakshmi Shetty, and Aravind Belchada participated in the session and highlighted various dimensions of Tulu culture.
Valedictory ceremony
The valedictory function was presided over by Sarvottama Shetty, Abu Dhabi, president of the Tulu World Foundation. Delivering the valedictory address, eminent writer Srikanth Shetty, Karkala, remarked that such seminars play a crucial role in passing on the rich heritage of Tulunadu to future generations.
Dignitaries and participation
The dignitaries present on the dais included Dr Rajesh Alva (Tulu World Foundation), Prof Dr A M Sridharan, Devendra Hegde Kokradi, Dr Shruti Chandrashekar, Dr Annayya Kulal, Devanand Shetty Basrur, Morla Ratnakar Shetty (Mumbai), and Jayaprakash Shetty (Mumbai).
The programme was compered by Naveen Shetty Edmemaar, of Namma TV fame, and renowned classical dancer Abhirami R.
Several prominent personalities, including Raghavendra Shetty, Asha Hegde Brahmavar, Hariprasad Rai, Vishwanath Acharya, Mandara Rajesh Bhat, Pramod Sapre, Padmashree Bhat, along with office bearers of Tulu organisations, members of the Tulu-speaking community, students, and faculty members, were in attendance.
The seminar was successfully organised under the coordination of Dr Rajesh Alva, head of the Tulu World Foundation, with the support of Pramod Sapre, Hariprasad Rai, and others.
The hospitality and accommodation arrangements provided by Alliance University, Bengaluru, including food and lodging, were excellent and received high appreciation from all the visiting guests.