News and pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (CLP)
Mumbai, Sep 1: The 2014 Yakshagana Kala Award instituted by Jaya C Suvarna in memory of his mother late Acchu C Suvarna was held at Billawa Bhavan in Santacruz (E) recently.
President of Billawa Association Nithyananda D Kotyan presided the award ceremony and inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp.
The chief guest of the event was writer and scholar Ambathanaya Mudradi. He honoured prominent Yakshagana artist Ganesha Chandramandala, along with Banumathi Chandramandal with the ‘2014 Yakshagana Kala Award’.
Chandrashekara Kedlaya (Sangeetha Vidwan), President of Kannada Press Association Maharastra and Chandrashekara Palethadi were also present on the dais.
Speaking on the occasion, Jaya C Suvarna said, "I am a big fan of Yakshagana and dramas. Yakshagana can only be survived if people support it and I have done the same by sponsoring the award ceremony."
Senior Yakshagana organizer H B L Rao briefed on the importance of award ceremony. He said that from past 70 years, Gururayana Yakshagana Mandali and organizers have dedicated in supporting the artist day and night. He also added that in the field of Yakshagana this is the only award that honours the artists with Rs 25,000 cash prize.
Chief guest Ambathanaya Mudradi said, "Mumbai is the mother-in-law house of Yakshagana. Yakshagana has kept alive the ancient Kannada language. This award has contributed in the growth in Yakshagana."
Yakshagana artist Ganesha Chandramandala said, "In the present era, bond between mother and children is vanishing; through Yakshagana Kala Award remembering the mother is proud moment for me to receive the honour. I am a small person in the ocean of Yakshagana. This award has increased my responsibility to do more."
Vice-president Chandrashekar S Poojari, Jyothi K Suvarna, Baskar M Saliyan, treasurer Baskara v Bangera, Women's Unit president Shakuntala K Kotiyan, ex-president L V Amin, Lilavathi Jaya Suvarna, Vasudeva Manrad, C T Saliyan, Dr Eshwara Aleuru, Harish K Hejmadi and C T Saliyan were present on the dais.
Secretary Dr U Dananjaya Kumar compered the programme. Dharmapala J Anchan proposed the vote of thanks.