Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal
Bantwal, Sep 12: Senior Yakshagana artiste and honorary president of Samskara Bharati, Sarapady Ashok Shetty, has urged the government to permit the free conduct of religious, cultural, and public programmes in Dakshina Kannada district, including the use of loudspeakers. He warned that if permission is not granted, artists of the district must be provided with government jobs.
Addressing a press meet at Bisirode Press Club, he opposed the restrictions imposed by the government and officials on cultural and religious practices, calling them an attack on the very essence of the district’s soil. He cautioned that if such measures continued, the administration would be responsible for any unrest arising from the frustration of the devout public, stressing that Dakshina Kannada should not be pushed towards a situation like Nepal.
He pointed out that officials unfamiliar with the cultural background of the district must understand the local pulse before enforcing laws. “Behind every celebration lies religious sentiment and tradition, which must be carried forward to the next generation through cultural and literary events,” he said.
Ashok Shetty alleged that Yakshagana, plays, fairs, kola, and other such programmes form the backbone of the district’s economy, and the administration’s curbs are endangering the livelihoods of artistes.
He further stated that memorandums have been submitted through MLAs and MPs at the deputy commissioner’s office, with the DC giving a positive response and promising to create a favourable atmosphere in the coastal region. However, he warned that if the government failed to relax restrictions on cultural programmes, artistes would resort to an indefinite hunger strike in front of the deputy commissioner’s office.
“We should not be pushed into becoming another Nepal. Do not test our patience. If sentiments explode, unrest will follow,” he cautioned.
Samskara Bharati Karnataka district president Taranath Kottari, vice president Rupalekha Puttur, district vice president Anil Pandit Brahmarakootu, folk leader Manmath Shetty Puttur, and executive committee member Sankappa Shetty Sanchayagiri were present.