Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Mar 29: Living legend Guruva Koraga's centenary birthday celebration, interaction, and an expo of arts was held at Ravindra Mantap, MGM College here on Wednesday, March 28, was inaugurated by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) pro chancellor Dr H S Ballal.
The programme was organised by Kannada and Sanskrit Department, Karnataka Folk Academy, Bengaluru in association with Regional Folk Theatre Arts Study Center and Manipal Academy of Higher Education.
Dr H S Ballal addressing the gathering said, “Even after 70 years of independence, tribal community and backward classes are not receiving opportunities. There is need to bring them to the main stream of the society. That is possible only through the development of the nation. For living legend Guruva Koraga has always believed in hard work. I pray to God to bless him with good health and long life.”
Another guest Vijay Ballal, the trustee of Shri Janardhana and Mahakali Temple, Ambalpady said, “Most of the youth are interested to do white-collared jobs. Those involved in cottage industry are being rarely encouraged. When we are start buying cottage products made up of natural materials, definitely village industries will survive. Guruva is the best example for achieving something and how one can keep himself peaceful.”
S Krishnayya, convener of Karnataka Janapada Academy, said, “There are more than 85 tribal communities in India, but only five of them have an origin like Koragas, Male Kudiyas, Jenu Kurubas, Kudubis and Soligas. They were kept isolated from the society. These community people migrated 2500 years ago. Their languages are about to ruin. Let the government establish a theme park for the tribal community through which their culture can survive.
B Takappa Kannur, president, Karnataka Folk Academy, Bengaluru, speaking on the occasion said, “I have travelled ten countries with Dollu (drum). Tribal communities do not mingle with us, as we are not ready to accept them. Many people have written books, received PhDs, but in reality, there is no scope for people of tribal community to mingle in the society. Untouchability is still being practiced. Times have changed now. People of tribal community are coming forward to mingle in the society. There is need to join them. Everyone should encourage their skills and village industries.”
Guruva Koraga who is celebrating his 102nd birthday, was honoured on the occasion.
Varadesh Hiregange, coordinator of Regional Folk Theatre arts Study Center, MAHE, welcomed the gathering.
An interaction session was conducted by Dr U P Upadhyaya, a lingual expert on the topic 'Present condition of tribal community'.
Demonstration of tribal traditional skills and their works and documentation was conducted by Malathi and team, Gandhinagar and Vasanthi Shetty Brahmavar (writer and thinker).
The guests of the event, Sidram, registrar, Karnataka Folk Academy, Bengaluru and others were present.
About Guruva Koraga
Guruva is a 'Kaddayi' playing artist, hailing from Guddeangadi of Hiriyadka. He is the son of Thoma and Thumbs. He started playing Kaddayi (Dollu) since the age of 12 years. He was conferred with many esteemed awards. Karnataka Folk Academy also honoured him in 2017.
He was recognized at the national level in 1988 through Mangaluru Akashavani. He has dedicated his life to conservation of rich heritage and culture. He believed in work and he had found God in his work. He is still able to play drum for two hours continuously. He is blessed with good health at the age of 102. As he says, “I never go to temple, but found God in my work.” He is putting is best effort for the conservation of culture of tribes.