News and pics: Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (EP)

Mumbai, Oct 16: Late Karnooru Koragappa Rai, who started Gopalakrishna Kala Sampada organization in the decades of 1970-80 in Mangalore, struggled for the unity of artistes and later invited and supported them in Mumbai, was remembered at Dr M Vishweshwarayya hall at Matunga west recently.

The 'Karnooru Ondu Nenapu' programme was held in memory of the person who introduced Yaksharanga of Badaguthitta to the people of Mangalore making new discoveries and showing them in Town hall in Mangalore, Bangalore, Mysore, Mumbai, Surat and several other cities including Udupi.

The programme was led by Karnooru Mohan Rai, son of late Koragappa Rai, well-known arts organizer, titled 'Kalasarathi.' Well-known intellectual and businessman Ballari Suresh Shetty arrived as the chief guest. He lit the traditional lamp and set the programme in motion. Payyaru Ramesh Shetty, Aikala Ganesh Shetty, Shiva Moodigere, Ashok Miyaru and Vastu expert Ashok Purohit were present.

Ashok Purohit in his speech said that Karnooru Mohan Rai as cultural ambassador has the unique capacity to unite artistes. He has been acting as a link between artistes. May the achiever gain more strength in his endeavor, he said.

We should support Yakshagana artistes Mohan Rai, Prakash Shetty and Sanjiva Kanchan. Meanwhile, may the Almighty grant eternal rest to the departed soul of Koragappa Rai, he said.

Artistes including Perduru Mela and Ajekar art lover's group presented attractive Yakshagana plays with the participation of Polya Laxminarayana Shetty, Satish Shetty Patla, Raghavendra Acharya Jansale, Shanker Bhat Brahmooru, Sathish Shetty Bondel, Girish Rai Kakkepadavu and Women's Bhagavathe Bhavyashree Mandekolu.

Ajekaru art lovers forum's Balakrishna Shetty Ajekaru, Y Karunakara Shetty of Perdooru Mela, Subrahmanya Swamy and several artistes were present.

Karnooru Mohan Rai welcomed and compered the programme. Yakshagana organizer Prakash M Shetty proposed the vote of thanks.