Moodbidri/Mangaluru/Mysore: War of words continue over ‘Koraga Vesha’ inclusion in Nudisiri procession

Shreyas H S
Daijiworld Media Network—Moodbidri/Mangaluru/Mysore

Moodbidri/Mangaluru/Mysore, Nov 15: Though the director of Rangayana and noted pro-Dalit singer H Janardhan termed the usage of banned ‘Koraga Vesha’ (impersonation of Koraga community men) in the grand cultural procession of Alva’s ‘Nudisiri’ improper, he said that he would not reconsider his decision of participating and singing in the much publicized cultural extravaganza of Karnataka.

Muneer Katipalla, state president, DYFI, termed the decision of Janardhan to participate in Nudisiri a blatant ideological compromise. Dr P N Udaychandra, registrar of SDM College Ujire, hit out against Nadooja Dr Siddalingaiah and Janardhan saying that they were state funded poet and singer. Both the Left ideologists from Dakshina Kannada condemned the untoward incident of impersonation of Koraga men at Alva’s Nudisiri.

A B Ibrahim, deputy commissioner, Dakshina Kannada, said he has no authentic information about the alleged act. He said that the district administration has already conveyed to the organizers of Alva’s the flaws reported in the media and said this should not have happened in the popular event.

The incident, however, infuriated Shekar L, co-convener, Dakshina Kannada Dalaita Hakkugala Horata Samiti, who condemned the act outright. He told Daijiworld that this was a day was dissapointing for the Dalits. “It is unfortunate that in the presence of Nadooja Dr Siddalingaiah, the banned practice was exhibited.” He added that anyone could slap a complaint against the organizers and impersonators under the prescribed Act.

Popularly known as ‘Jenni’, singer Janardhan termed the incident ‘wrong’. However, it could also be recalled that the decision of Janardhan to sing at Alva’s invited criticism from staunch Left ideologists across the state. “A lot of people throng the venue and this could be a great opportunity to express my views through my songs”, said Jenni. He added that there was no connection to his presence at Alva’s and what occurred during the procession.

Speaking about the usage of ‘Koraga Vesha’, he said that there was an order passed by the district administration and it would be improper to use this in the procession. Moreover, he added that this incident will not stop him from attending Alva’s Nudisiri as he strongly believes in freedom of expression. “Some Left ideologists have problems with Mohan Alva and this is wrong as I condemn enmity between people,” he added.

Jenni added that singing in Moodbidri was an opportunity and it was his duty as an artiste to sing before a huge number of folk lovers. When asked about compromising with the ideology as alleged by Katipalla, he claimed that he had never compromised with Leftist ideology rather horizon of communism could be spread at Alva’s. “I am also participating in the event as I am proud to be part of the event which was presided over by Siddalingaiah”.

Taking a tactful jibe at Katipalla and his critics, he said that suppressing the freedom of expression of a human being does not fit with Communism. In other words, he condemned his detractors for opposing his decision to sing at Nudisiri. “An artiste loves to sing before any crowd irrespective of any ideology and music has no such limits,” he argued.

On the other hand, Katipalla mocked Janardhan and queried why Jenni had once boycotted Nudisiri? He accused the singer of being an expert in interpretation and said that Jenni was covering up his blunders with the valor of his tongue. “He was singing for Dalits in his early days and now he is all set to sing before the ‘Dani’ (boss/capitalist),” alleged Katipalla.

“The duo are state-funded poet and singer. It seems both have reached a saturated level where they began to compromise,” said Dr Udaychandra.

He said that he suspects Siddalingaiah is aiming for the Jnanapeeth Award and sees such cultural fests as a good platform to meet stakeholders to lobby for the same.