Report & Pics by Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (SP)
Mumbai, Jun 30: The Yakshagana form of art has been adopting well to the changes in traditions and the need for imbibing modern adaptations. The Yakshagana shows like these are testimony to the fact that languages and regional barriers do not become come in the way of art forms concerned. The art lovers need to support and encourage Yakshagana, which provides a window into our rich heritage and introduce us to our glorious past. Let the 'Abhimanyu' Hindi episode of Yakshagana emerge as a modern experiment in the field of Yakshagana,and pave way for future progress of Yakshagana, wished K V R Tagore, commissioner in the department of information, Karnataka government.
Speaking after inaugurating the first show of Hindi Yakshagana episode of 'Abhimanyu' performed by Sri Sachidananda Saraswati Krupa Poshita Yakshagana Mandali Mumbai at Prabhodhankar Takre mini auditorium in Borivli West here recently, he noted that Yakshagana stage performances have a long history. This art form has also been adhering to the demands of the present generation. There is no need for worry over the survival of this art form just because it has been adopting itself to modern changes. An art form can reach the zenith only if it has the capacity to attract the youth besides creating fresh audience. This Yakshagana Mandali has to take up the job of spreading Yakshagana, which is an altogether different form of art, to allover the world, he advised.
Tagore signalled the dedication of this show to the connoisseurs of art by lighting a lamp.
Karnataka government Kannada Development Authority member Pradip Kumar Kalkura, who was the chief guest of the function, opined that Yakshagana alone has the inherent strength to fill the void created by lack of value based education and also the history teachingthat is woefully short of Indian mythology. Yakshagana art, which can convey the ancient preachings and educate the people about the lifestyles of our ancestors, can also make people aware of the current goings on. He hoped, that the efforts of this amateur Yakshagana organisation in Mumabi would be able to succeed in it's efforts to keep this form of art alive.
Extending his best wishes for the success of the Yakshagana Mandali further, Kalkura acknowledged the contributions made by Mumbai residents to this art form and wished that the efforts being made by educated youngsters of this Yakshagana Mandali to carry forward Yakshagana to the next generation will be highly rewarding.
Kerala Tulu Sahitya Academy member Umesh Salian, Karnataka State Youth awardee P M Shahid and journalist V Bhaskar took part in the programme as honourary guests. On this occasion, renowned Bhagawat M Raghavendra Bhat and famous Yakshagana artiste Yelagappa Subrahmanya Hegde were felicitated by draping shawls around them and offering fruits, flowers and mementoes.
Tagore also released the special issue of 'Kannada Yakshagana' magazine being brought out by the publication firm of Abdul Rahiman Subbaiahkatte.
Rajapur Saraswat Samaj Mumbai and Yakshagana Mandali executive president Kacheri Sadanand D Nayak welcomed and delivered introductory address. Secretary Ramanand S Nayak and treasurer Prakash P Shevde were at the dais. Vishnumoorti Nayak conducted the programme and proposed vote of thanks.
Earlier in the day, Kannada Yakshagana 'Meenakshi Kalyana' was staged. Later, 'Abhimanyu' Hindi Yakshagana was successfully presented under Bhagawath M Raghavendra Bhat to the elation of a packed audience.