St Agnes College Revives Interest in Folk Dances with Workshop
 
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
 
Mangalore, Jan 17: A four-day workshop on 'Folk Dances of Karnataka' that began on Friday January 14 for the benefit of interested students from various colleges organized by the cultural association, St Agnes College (Autonomous), concluded here on Monday January 17.
 
The valedictory ceremony organizers felt that the workshop which was held with the objective to imbibe in the students, love and interest in the Indian culture and folklore was truly realized as each folk dance performed on the stage received overwhelming response.

Dr Vaman Nandavar, renowned scholar in Karnataka folklore was the chief guest for the valedictory function. Speaking on the occasion Nandavar said that folk is nothing but cultural attentiveness. This kind of workshop retains the name and fame of folk in our nation. Folk culture also leads to communal harmony, he asserted.
 
‘Mankali Kunitha’ which was performed initially was followed by Aati Kalanje, Veeragase, Halakki Okkaligara Nruthya of Uttara Kannada, Kolata, Kamsale Nruthya and Kangeelu Nruthya.
 
Eminent artistes Ramesh Kalmadi and Group from Udupi and Mime Ramdas from Mangalore exposed the students to various forms of Karnataka Folk dances and songs during the four-day workshop. Mohan Raj of St Aloysius College, one of the participants in the workshop shared his experience and said that enriching the folk art in our nation is the need of an hour. Divya, another participant from Besant College also shared her handful experience.
 
The programme was initiated with a prayer song by Dr Sudha and group. Shubharekha, coordinator of the programme welcomed the gathering. Dr Sr Prem D’Souza was present.