Daijiworld Media Network- Udupi (SN/SP)

Udupi, Feb 21: The inaugural of the children's drama festival was held at Muddanna Mantapa of MGM College on Thursday February 19.

The event is being organized by Car Street Friends in association with Kannada and Cultural department and Karnataka Nataka Academy.

Speaking after inaugurating the programme, Dr G Shankar, businessman, said that developing skills in the art of drama and Yakshagana helps children in developing mental and intellectual faculties, besides improving their concentration levels, discipline and patience.

Bringing the specially-abled people in the main stream of the society is the duty of each single person, he stressed.

K C Pai, retired general manager of Syndicate Bank presided over the function.

Suresh K Pai, businessman and Dr K K Ammannaya, secretary, K K Foundation Manipal, participated as chief guests.

Prof Muralidhar Upadhyay Hiriyadka welcomed the gathering. Prof K S Kedlaya compered the programme.

Later, the students of Vagjyoti School for the Deaf and the Mentally-Retarded Children, presented 'Jatayu Moksha' Yakshagana episode, directed by B Sanjeev Suvarna.