Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Dec 17: “If women learn Yakshagana, it helps the growth of art,’ said Kamaladevi Prasad Asranna, priest of Kateel temple.

Asranna gave his blessings in the concluding programme of Bala Yakshakoota decennial celebrations at Kadri Rajangana in the city on Monday, December 18. He further said, “It is said that the art of Yakshagana is meant for males. But teaching Yakshagana to girls spreads the art".

“I have seen several Indian arts. There is no art that gives as much joy as Yakshagana. Watching Yakshagana is beautiful experience. The efforts of Yakshaguru Ellooru Ramachandra Bhat in teaching Yakshagana to girls is commendable,” said Asranna.

Entrepreneur Sripathi Bhat presided over the programme.

Yaksha critic Dr Prabhakar Joshi said that 5,000 people are studying Yakshagana in 300 training schools belonging to 40 melas.

“Yakshagana centers should prevent the entry of viruses called fame, preserve the art and make it grow. Yaksha Hasya Vaibhava and Natya Vaibhava are disastrous for Yakshagana,” said Joshi.

Trustee Harikrishna Punaroor, Patla foundation secretary Purushotham Bhandary, corporator Ashok Kumar D K, Moodbidri MCC bank CEO Chandrashekar, Namma Kudla director Leelaksha Karkera, Honorary president Dinesh Devadiga, convener Elooru Ramachandra Bhat Kadri and Vasudev Rao were present.

K Govinda Bhat, K L Kundantaya, Ujire Ashok Bhat, Dayanand Kodikal were felicitated. Vidhwan Krishnaraj Nandalike and Mohini Kala Sangha’s leader Gangadhar Shettigar were also honoured on the occasion. Jithendra Kundeshwara, journalist and yakshagana artiste congratulated the students.

Students thanked Yakshaguru Elooru Ramachandra Bhat Kadri and Vanitha Elooru couple who teach yakshagana free of charge.

President Krishna Bhat Kadri welcomed the gathering. R K Rao and Suchetha Sheka compered the programme. Secretary Ganesh

Hebbar rendered the vote of thanks.

Students of Vidhwan Krishnaraj Nandalike presented classical music.