News: Silvester D' Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)
Kundapur, Feb 16: “If the world is on the path of development, tribal people are its roots. Their contributions in customs and traditions, food and culture are immense. The study of tribes is equal to the study of humanity”, said Dr Gangadhar Daivajnya, professor of Hampi University tribal research department.
He was giving an introductory speech in the 'Unveiling of tribal and Janapada culture' programme held under the aegis of arts department of Kundapur Bhandarkar's Arts and Science College.
“Folk studies are diminishing these days in the midst of popular western culture. Tribal culture too is greatly influenced by it. Their lives are confused in such changes. We used to get clean culture through Adivasis. It is missing now. The rights and freedom of Adivasis are being snatched by forest laws since the British era”.
“The tribal community had a very good memory. They used to memorize thousands of stories and folk songs. They used to consume more than 350 food items and maintain their health. They used to live for hundreds of years. The modern style of living and limited food items have shortened the life span of these tribals”, he said.
“It is difficult to search the origin of folk culture. However, it is necessary to gather their traditional knowledge and make use of it. The power of memory is decreasing and the age becomes less in modern era. Sicknesses attack us. Tribals and Janapada are inevitable
for us. We have to know their branches of wisdom”, he further said.
Kundapur sub divisional official Charulatha Somal, who inaugurated the programme, said that the folk culture should be made known to the students in order to create awareness. “It is necessary to know the specialties of different cultures and traditions”.
Dr H Shantaram, CEO of academy of General Education, who presided over the programme, said that we were forgetting our culture by following foreign culture. “If we want to know the real meaning of Indian culture, we have to study folk culture”.
Young businessman Karthikeya Madhyasta was present. Third year B A students Prajna, Shathila, Chaitra, Pramila and Divya Rani sang the prayer song of Soliga tribals. College principal, professor Dr N P Narayana Shetty welcomed. Professor G Udayakumar compered the
programme and gave a key note address. Second year B A student Priyanka introduced the guests and Pre University College principal G M Gonda proposed vote of thanks. State political science professor Kokkarne Surendranath Shetty conducted the programme.
A unique exhibition of rare items was inaugurated during the programme. The ancient items and pictures related to tribals, postal stamps and coins were attraction of the exhibition.
Akshara Koragara rural development association presented Koraga's culture under the leadership of Ganesh Kundapura, Gonda community's cultural programme in the leadership of Gonda Byndoor, folk dance to the tune of drums by Siddi tribal people and Pugadi dance and Janapada songs were presented. Nagaraja Panara and troupe performed Panara dance Dakke Bali by Valthooru, Narayana Marati presented Marati Naik drum dance and Kolata led by Marati Nagaramakki. Mallikarjuna Kudubi Holi Janapada Kala Sangha Mandarthi presented Janapada dance led by Chandra Naika and Halakki tribal community Belambara Ankola presented Suggi dance.