Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB/EP)

Mangaluru, Feb 5: “The contribution of Natyakala Gurukula is immense in the field of art. May the organization grow further with blessings from the Almighty,” opined Shantala awardee Natyacharya Ullal Mohan.

He set into motion the sixth annual Gurukula festival and presented Natya Mantrika award to Kathak artiste Sangeetha Natak academy awardee, Uma Dogra at Kuthar Rajarajeshwari Siddivinayaka temple on Monday February 4.

Uma Dogra said that she comes from a poor family and is one among eight children. “I have been awarded by the president of India as my parents made sure that there is no scarcity of art and education among us. Success is assured after hard work. Do not give up dreaming. Mantra Natyakala Gurukula has provided love and respect from deep in the heart,” she said. Meanwhile Ullal Mohan was felicitated for being a teacher by Mantra Natyakala Gurukula team.

Lecturer and well known art performer Sudhaker Rao Pejavar and Dr Laxmi J Prasad were presented awards for special achievements.

Singer Sheela Diwaker, drummer artiste Vidwan Balachandra Bhagawat, flute artiste Vidwan Muraleedhar Kunjibettu were honored. Hyderabad based G Ravi performed Kuchipudi dance.

Vidwan Shravan Ullal’s pupils presented ‘Natya Mantram Bharathanatya. Mantra Natyakala Gurukula president Shakila Janardhan chaired the programme. District Rajyotsava awardee and dance director Vidwan Shravan Ullal, secretary Kiran Ullal, trustees Shaina Sravan and Babitha Kiran were present. Padmini gave details of the awardees.