from Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (RD/GA)

Mumbai, Jul 5: “Great indeed are the efforts of artistes serving in Sri Ramachandrapur Math-sponsored Yakshagana troupe with the able guidance of Sri Raghavendra Bharathi Swamiji, who has done yeomen's service to the world by his message of worshiping the sacred cow.  It is commendable for the troupe which is attracting the large crowd for their performances since they are totally committed to their profession.  They serve as the role model for the rest of yakshagana troupes.  The commercialization of yakshagana would not be justified in the future.  The success lies in the total devotion of artistes to their profession” said Sri Vidhyaprasanna Theertha Swamiji Subrhamnaya Math.

He was gracing the felicitation ceremony of artistes from Hosanagar, Sri Ramachandrapur-sponsored Yakshagana Troupe and its convenor, during the inaugural function of last performance of their first-ever tour of Mumbai, which was held at Billava Bhavan, Santacruz(E) recently.

Karnataka state religious endowment department commissioner T Shyam Bhat was the chief guest present. 

“The cultural project of Sri Raghavendra Swamiji has been unveiled.  No other entertainment gives that much of happiness as compared to viewing yakshagana.  The artistes of this troupe have proved this feat with their superb performance.  Yakshagana has been a unique media which enthrals the viewers to the maximum.  The yakshagana troupe sponsored by the Swamiji, has popularized ancient religion through mythological episodes.  Besides, their performances have the capacity to captivate the viewers spell-bound.  The mythological episodes are appropriate to be adopted in yakshagana.  The excellence of performance forms the basis for popularizing the art” Shyam Bhat said. 

Billava Association Mumbai president, Jaya C.Suvarna, police inspector Prakash Bhandary, Sri Ramachandra Math Maharastra president, M K Janardhan were the guests present along with Vedhamurthy Haridas Bhat Pernankila.

Ramachandra Upadhyaya, Panja Bhaskar Bhat, L V Amin, Vishwanath U Mada, Surendra Kumar Hegde, Divakar S, programme organizer Ravi Shetty, Morla Ratnakar Shetty and others were present at the programme.

S M Bhat introduced the honoured to the gathering while Prakash Bhat proposed the vote of thanks.

Yakshagana Mythological episode of ‘Punya Koti-Garuda Garvabhanga’ yakshagana was performed by the touring artistes.