Report & photos: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 24: Remembering and honoring contributions is a noble and valuable gesture. Yakshagana is a comprehensive art form with a rich literary tradition. Once considered a male-dominated art of Karnataka, Yakshagana has found a strong presence in Mumbai since the arrival of Tulu Kannadigas. Recognizing and nurturing such art and literature through awards plays a crucial role in their preservation, said retired professor Dr Vishwanath Karnad, founder of Dr Vishwanath Karnad Pratishthan, Mumbai.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the annual presentation ceremony of the Shri Guru Narayana Sahitya Award and the Yakshagana Kala Award held at Shri Narayana Guru Auditorium, Billava Bhavan, Santacruz East, on Sunday evening. The event was sponsored by the late MB Kukyan and organized by the Billava Association Mumbai and Shri Guru Narayana Yakshagana Mandali. The Yakshagana Kala Award, now in its 21st year, was instituted by Jay C Suvarna in memory of his mother, the late Achchu C Suvarna.
The program was presided over by Harish G Avin, president of Billava Association Mumbai. The event commenced with the lighting of the lamp by Srinivas N Udupa, chief priest of Shri Uma Maheshwari Temple, Jerimeri, who also delivered a benedictory address.
Noted writer Shimanturu Chandrahas Suvarna was conferred the Shri Guru Narayana Sahitya Award, while senior Yakshagana artist Ramachandra Salyan received the Yakshagana Kala Award. Bombay Bunts Association president DK Shetty was also felicitated on the occasion.
In his address, Srinivas Udupa emphasized that life gains true meaning through dedicated efforts and devotion to God, parents, and teachers. He remarked that the legacy of Shri Narayana Guru and Jay C Suvarna continues to inspire meaningful events such as these.
Harish Avin, in his presidential address, stated that the Billava Association has played a significant role in promoting art and literature. He lauded the unity among the community members in Mumbai, who, despite belonging to different backgrounds, have embraced a harmonious way of life in accordance with the ideals of Shri Narayana Guru.
Former president of Bombay Bunts Association CA Surendra K Shetty, social worker Lakshmi N Kotyan, award sponsor Vinesh M Kukyan, and association vice presidents Purushottam S Kotyan, Jayanti V Ullal, Mohan C Kotyan, women's wing president Shakuntala K Kotyan, cultural subcommittee chairman Naveen Paduinna, and secretary Naveen L Banger were present on the dais.
The cultural program featured traditional dance performances by artists from the local units of the association. The Shri Guru Narayana Yakshagana Mandali presented the Yakshagana play Shri Krishna Leela – Kamsavadha. The event was hosted by women's wing secretary Latha A Banger.
Girija Chandrashekhar led the prayer, while honorary general secretary Harish G Salyan welcomed the gathering. Akshaya Monthly’s editor-in-chief Dr Ishwar Alevur provided insights into the awards. Editors Harish Hejmadi and SK Sundar, along with associate editor Harishchandra G Kundar, introduced and honored the awardees. Executive editor Harish G Poojary Kokkarné introduced the guests, and honorary treasurer Ravi S Sanil proposed the vote of thanks.