Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Oct 5: Yakshagana is no longer an art form confined to villages but has gained global recognition as a unique traditional art form, said Dr M Mohan Alva, chairman of Alva's Education Foundation, Moodbidri. He said Yakshagana, which appeals to people of all ages and is admired by everyone from elders to children, is perhaps unmatched by any other art form in the world in terms of its reach and popularity.

Speaking at the inauguration of the two-day Yakshagana conference organised as part of the silver jubilee celebrations of Ajekaru Kalabhimani Balaga, Mumbai, Dr Alva said efforts should be made to ensure that Yakshagana is not restricted only to the Thenku and Badagu styles but is recognised as an art form representing the entire state of Karnataka and all its districts. He called upon everyone to convince the state government to officially recognise Yakshagana as an art form of Karnataka.

The two-day Yakshagana conference was inaugurated on Saturday, October 3, at the Yakshakala Vedike constructed by R K Shetty at the Bunts Bhavan in Kurla East. The conference featured various Yakshagana discussions, Yakshagana and Talamaddale performances, a Yakshagana conference, and the presentation of the ‘Yaksharaksha Kala Gourava’ and ‘Yaksharaksha Award’ to Tulu and Kannadiga achievers from various fields. The event also marked the 25th anniversary celebrations of Ajekaru Kalabhimani Balaga.

In his inaugural address, Dr Mohan Alva explained the importance of such programmes in preserving Yakshagana, promoting its growth and ensuring that its rich tradition is passed on to future generations.

The programme was held under the presidentship of Bunts Mumbai president Praveen B Shetty. Vedamurthi Sri Harinarayanadas, hereditary priest of Sri Kshetra Kateel, delivered the blessings.

Conference president Dr T Shyam Bhat, chairman of the Karnataka Human Rights Commission, was present. L D S Pai and B M D Arvanath Shetty were the chief guests, while MRG Group executive chairman Dr K Prakash Shetty was the special guest.

Bunts Sangha Mumbai honorary general secretary R K Shetty, Bombay Bunts Association president Advocate D K Shetty, Bunts Sangha Mumbai women's wing working president Chitra R Shetty, former working president of the women's wing Ranjini Sudhakar Hegde, Karnataka Malla editor Chandrashekar Palethady, Yakshakalaranga Karkala president Vijay Shetty, Kannada Bhavan vice-president Girish Salian, Yakshagana committee chief adviser Dr Prabhakar Joshi and Prof Bhaskar Rai Kukkuvalli were also present.

The guests and dignitaries were honoured by Ajekaru Kalabhimani Balaga's founder Balakrishna Shetty Ajekaru with shawls, bouquets and mementoes.

Arvanath Shetty, in his address, said that when an organisation completes 25 years, it also signifies 25 years of service to Yakshagana. He said Balakrishna Shetty, who has been instrumental in the organisation's activities, has rendered service to Yakshagana through performances, training programmes and felicitation of artists, besides working to pass the art form on to the younger generation.

Praveen Shetty, who presided over the inaugural ceremony, said the credit for showcasing achievement through dedicated work goes to Ajekaru Balakrishna Shetty. He praised Balakrishna Shetty's efforts in keeping the Navarasa-filled art of Yakshagana alive in Mumbai and wished him continued success in his service to the art form.

On the occasion, the conference souvenir and book ‘Yakshagana Mumbelagu’ was released by Dr K Prakash Shetty and handed over to its editor Prof Bhaskar Rai. Prof Bhaskar Rai Kukkuvalli also released ‘Yakshaloka’, a collection of articles on Yakshagana, while Harish Shetty Sooda's book ‘Yaksha Pucholi’, featuring seven prasangas with meanings, was also released.

Conference president Dr G Shyam Bhat and special guest Dr K Prakash Shetty were felicitated in a grand manner by presenting them with traditional turbans, garlands and mementoes.

Before the inaugural ceremony, Ajekaru Balakrishna Shetty and members of the executive committee symbolically lit the lamp at the Radhabai auditorium of Bunts Sangha. They offered prayers at the Sri Vishnumurthy Temple and then arrived at the venue in a grand cultural procession.

Bhagavatha Devi Prasad Rai Talapady from the native region rendered the prayer. Divith S K Peradi introduced the conference president, while Bhaskar Kukkuvalli delivered the introductory speech. Ashok Pakkala, Karnur Mohan Rai and Amritha Shetty compered the programme.