Mangalore, DH News Service:
Mangalore, May 3: “Universities have a major role to play in the process of preserving the culture and folk arts of a region,” said Shri Kshetra Dharmastala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade.
Speaking after inaugurating the Dr P Dayananda Pai and P Sathish Pai Yakshagana Study Centre of Mangalore University at Mangalagangothri near here on Saturday, Heggade said that Universities should not continue to be a mere centre for degree certificate distribution.
Only universities can preserve the culture and folk arts like Yakshagana through giving patronage, he said.
“Now a fear of extinction haunts Yakshagana artistes. Those who are in the field always ask themselves how to preserve the art and how to protect artistes,” Heggade said adding that the Centre should cater the needs for the preservation and promotion of Yakshagana.
“Modernisation and commercialisation should not be a bane on Yakshagana art form. The original values of the art should not be deteriorated through commercialisation,” he emphasised.
‘Artistes becoming poor’
Yakshagana exponent Dr M Prabhakar Joshi said that though Yakshagana is a rich art form, artistes are becoming poorer day-by-day. He said that on an average, the total annual turnover of Yakshagana crosses Rs 30 crore.
However, Yakshagana art has not been promoted properly and artistes are in dilemma.
“Increase in the number Yakshagana troupes will never help to develop the art. But instead, it will have only adverse impact on the quality of yakshagana. The popularity of Yakshagana will be increased only when the number of troupes are reduced,” he said.
‘Crash courses needed’
Joshi suggested that University should introduce short-term and crash courses on Yakshagana under the Centre.
“The basic principles of Yakshagana should not be compromised in the process of modernisation,” he suggested.
Donor Dr P Dayananda Pai, who donated Rs 1 crore to the Centre, was felicitated on the occasion. University Vice-Chancellor Prof K M Kaveriappa presided while Yakshagana Study Centre Director Prof K Chinnappa Gowda, senior Yakshagana artiste Kumble Sundar Rao and University Registrar P Premkumar were present.