by Arathi Adiga and R K Rajaram
Dubai, Jan 14 : The first-ever Badagutittu Yakshagana programme in Dubai was held on recently at Fortune Plaza Apartments Al Ghusais Dubai, presided over by Praveen Shetty, chairman and managing director of Fortune Group of hotels and main sponsor of the programme.
Sarvotham Shetty of Abu Dhabi Kannada Sangha was the chief guest. Other guests were Satish Venkataramana of Chilly Willy, Walter Nandalike of Daijiworld news portal, Prakash Rao Payyar of Dhwani Prathishtana and Manohar Thonse from Abu Dhabi.
The programme started with Yakshagana Bagavathike style prayer by Vishweshwara Adiga. Padmarajyekkar president of Yakshakalavrunda welcomed the guests and explained the reason behind establishing a non-profitable association “Yakshakalavrunda” being only to promote BadagutittuYakshagana in this region of the world and encourage the great art and equally the great artistes, also with the intention to help needy yakshagana artists back home and not to compete with any other organizations or associations operating in this great country.
He also announced that Padma Prasad Hedge, a well-known advocate from Karnataka and All India president of ‘Youth for nation’ will be the chief guest for the main Yakshagana programme which will be held on February 1 at Sheik Rashid Auditorium Dubai.
Sarvotham Shetty explained the greatness of Badagutittu Yakshgana and the legendary artists like Dr. Shivarama Karantha, Keremane family G Kalinga Navda and many others efforts and contribution to the richness of the art. He also explained the hardships of organizing these kinds of rich arts and he urged every business people, different organization and art lovers to support Yakshakalavrunda’s maiden effort of bringing Badagutittu Yakshagana to UAE for the first time to encourage and support in all means. He also appreciated PraveenShetty Chairman Fortune group of hotels and main sponsor of the programs passion towards badagutittuyakshagana and other contemporary art.
Walter Nandalike of Daijiworld felt Yakshagana is an art that is beyond the barriers of caste and religion. "This art should be given full support and should be taken forward to next generation," he said, and requested all the business heads, media people and art lovers to extend the required support.
Prakash Rao Payyaru of Dhwani Prathishtana explained types of yakshgana, history and its flow and wished Yakshakalavrunda all the success.
Praveen shetty said while delivering the President’s speech, he is a great fan of badagutittuyakshagana even he participated in the show at his young age.His respect, passion and love towards Badagutittu Yakshagana made him to sponsor “Madura Mahindra” yakshgana premier in Dubai, that too first time in the history of UAE. He felt very happy to be the cultural ambassador of Badagutittu Yakshagana to this region of the world. Since famous Badagutittu Yakshagana artists are flying down from India to perform there’s no doubt about success of the program, he opined. He wished all the success to Yakshkalavrunda and urged generous art lovers, business people to come forward and support yakshagana and create interest in young generation to take up this art as a profession.
All the present representatives of different organization were felicitated at the program by president of Yakshakalavrunda.The program was concluded with the vote of thanks by R.K Rajaram and program was hosted by ArathiAdiga. After the program every one enjoyed the sumptuous dinner served by Fortune Hotels staff.