Daijiworld Media Network - Brahmavar (SP)
Brahmavar, Nov 13: "The government has been giving awards amounting to five lac rupees to music and allied arts. There is a need to extend similar awards to Yakshagana field too. On the lines of Haradi Rama Ganiga Award, we will consider the practicality of instituting awards amounting to four lac rupees by muzrai department in the names of four outstanding Yakshagana artistes," said minister, Kota Srinivas Poojary.
He was speaking after inaugurating the convention of Yakshagana artistes held under the aegis of Yakshagana Artistes Welfare Union at the auditorium of Saligrama Lord Gurunarasimha temlple on Tuesday November 12.
He said that a committee of experts chaired by the president of Yakshagana Academy has been formed to examine provisions to provide benefits to artistes of professional Melas. "This committee has six experts from the two Yaksahgana forms, and they will study the current situation and problems connected with the artistes. Based on the report of the committee, upward revision of pay, retirement allowance, ESI, provident fund, health facilities etc would be considered. Our government is committed to protest the interests of Yakshagana artistes," he stated.
Kora said that when he was muzrai minister in the past, he had issued order to institute an award of one lac rupees for an artistes through Mandarthi temple but it could not be implemented. He said that it has now been decided to grant this award and a committee led by the deputy commissioner would select the eligible artiste.
President of Karnataka Yakshagana Academy, M A Hegde, said that he would voice the concerns and views of the artistes, being the president of the committee formed to study the financial condition of artistes.
Bhagawath, Satish Shetty, artiste, Airody Govindappa, Amriteshwari temple managing committee president, Anand C Kunder, Saligrama Lord Gurunarasimha temple managing trustee, Anantapadmanabha Aithal, Kondadakuli Ramachandra Hegde and others spoke about the demands and problems encountered by the artistes.
Hangarakatte Yakshagnaa Kalekendra secretary, Rajashekhar Hebbar, welcomed. K P Shekhar proposed vote of thanks. Ramcahdnra Aithal presented the programme. Over 300 artistes took part in the convention.