Rons Bantwal
Mangaluru, May 30: The 11th edition of Patla Sambhrama 2026, organised by the Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation Trust (R), Mangaluru, was held with cultural fervour on Saturday at Adyar Garden near Adyar, marking another milestone in its sustained work for Yakshagana artists and cultural welfare.
The event was inaugurated by Dr Yaji Niranjan Bhat, Dharmadhikari of Pavanaje Nagavruja Kshetra, while the formal stage programme was inaugurated by Shashidhar B Shetty, chief convener of the Patla Foundation Trust and entrepreneur.
Speakers underscored the need for collective support to sustain cultural organisations and stressed that preserving Yakshagana remains a shared responsibility. They noted that with the evolution of time-bound Yakshagana performances, several artists have also been compelled to take up alternative livelihoods. The foundation, they said, has been playing a key role in supporting artists’ welfare while appealing to donors to continue their support.
A key highlight of the programme was the presentation of the Yakshadhruva Mahaposaka Award 2026 to Dr M Mohan Alva in recognition of his contribution to art and culture.
The Patla Award 2026 was conferred on Polya Lakshminarayana Shetty, along with a cash prize of ?1 lakh and a memento.
Receiving the Mahaposaka Award, Dr M Mohan Alva said that art is a priceless cultural treasure and highlighted Yakshagana’s stature among folk traditions. “Yakshagana is a vibrant art form that has grown to great heights. Among folk arts, it holds the number one position,” he said, praising the Patla Foundation for its sustained cultural service.
Polya Lakshminarayana Shetty, while accepting the honour, said the recognition at the later stage of his artistic journey had increased his responsibility towards the art form.
Presiding over the event, Heramba Industries chairman Dr Sadashiva Shetty Kanyana emphasised that institutions must function transparently and treat donors with dignity, adding that he would continue to support the foundation’s initiatives.
Delivering blessings, Edneer Mutt seer Sri Sachchidananda Bharathi Swamiji said the Patla Foundation was growing both artistically and organisationally, while Odiyoor Mutt seer Sri Gurudevananda Swamiji praised its contribution in creating a lasting cultural footprint through Yakshagana.
Several dignitaries, including IAS officer Rajesh Prasad, Prof M L Samaga, MP Brijesh Chowta, industrialist G Shankar, Satish Shetty Patla, and other prominent figures, attended the programme.
Foundation founder-president Patlaguttu Satish Shetty welcomed the gathering, while Pradeep Alva Kadri delivered the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Kadri Naveen Shetty.
As part of the event, scholarships were distributed to 4,000 students. Organisers noted that the Patla Foundation Trust has carried out service activities worth around Rs 16 crore over the past 11 years, reinforcing its role in cultural and social welfare initiatives.