News: Shodhan Prasad
Dubai, May 4: Yakshagana Abhyasa Tharagati, Dubai, an institution for learning skills of one of the oldest art forms of coastal Karnataka, ‘Yakshagana’, has been doing a wonderful job with over 70 children and elders attaining knowledge through the stalwarts Shekar D Shettigar and convener Dinesh Shetty Kottinja who have been contributing their valuable time for over 3 years.
To showcase their skills after the training, they are now ready to stage a full-fledged Yakshagana Prasanga titled ‘Lalithopakyana’ (based on the famous mythological Devi Mahatme) with Precious Parties & Entertainment presenting the show under the able direction of Yakshaguru/Yaksha Mayura Shekar D Shetty on Saturday June 11 at Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, The Indian High School, Oud Metha Road, Dubai.
In this respect, an invitation and ticket release event was held on May 1 at Fortune Grand Hotel, Al Qusais, Dubai. It started with prayer from the students of the Yakshagana Abhyasa Tharagati and welcome note by convener Dinesh Shetty Kottinja who welcomed the guests.
The guests included Sarvotham Shetty, president of UAE Bunts & Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha; Praveen Kumar Shetty, president Karnataka NRI Forum & businessman Fortune Group of Hotels; Harish Sherigar, Businessman ACME Group & producer Tulu/Kannada Films; Shashidhar Nagarajappa of Kannada Pata Shale; Satish Poojary, former president of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah & Billawas Family Dubai; Harish Bangera, businessman Dubai Source & producer Kannada film; Gunasheel Shetty, businessman Ace Cranes; Shodhan Prasad, organiser, film producer/distributer, Sandhya Creations; Premjith of Tulu Patherga Tulu Oripaga; Sunder Shetty, businessman Nihal & Tandoori Restaurants, Abu Dhabi; Rajesh Kuthar, president of Gammath Kalavider, Dubai; Vasu Bhat, promoter of Art & businessman, Venus/Hamba Group of Restaurants; B K Ganesh Rai, organiser & creative art director; Raghuram Shettigar of Padmashali Association Dubai; Manohar Thonse, writer & convenor of Abu Dhabi Billawa Sangha; Sujath Shetty, businessman Gantoot Building Materials, Dubai; Dayanand Hebbar of Brahmana Samaja Dubai, and Anand Bailoor, former president of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah.
All the guests and few invitees from Dakshina Kannada along with the convener & ladies of Yakshagana Abhyasa Tharagthi began the programme with the traditional ‘Lighting of the Lamp’. Dinesh Shetty Kottinja briefed on the activities of the institution and thanked all those who have contributed to the institution as well as the well-wishers which has kept their activities on the move.
Puthige Vasudev Bhat showered blessings and conveyed good wishes for the upcoming programme. The invitation was released and distributed to the guests and media. Tickets were released. Meanwhile, the exclusively designed colourful t-shirts of Yakshodas were also released by the guests of honour.
All the guests spoke on the programme and appealed all Kannadigas and Tuluvas residing in the UAE to support Yakshagana and keep it alive for the future generations. With the commitment of full cooperation, both morally and financially, all the guests showed their willingness in supporting the organisers who are taking such a huge responsibility for a good cause.
Guru Shekar D Shettigar then briefed on how the Yakshagana Abhyasa Tharagati got formed from a few people to the current large institution wherein more than 70 students are not only learning Yashagana, but also simultaneously learning Kannada as well which is much necessary for a Yakshagana exponent. He also mentioned about chief convenor Dinesh Shetty Kottinja’s contribution to the institution which has kept Yakshagana alive in this part of the world. His support has taken the institution to greater heights and now the exponents will be showcasing their talents in the upcoming programme, he said.
Shekar Shettigar also mentioned about the guest participants of the upcoming ‘Lalithopakyana’ Yashsgana and the following well-known personalities will arrive from India to grace the function:
Yakshadruva Patla Satish Shetty – Bhagavathike
Amrutha Kaushik Rao – Saha Bhagavathike
Kaushik Rao Puthige & Savinaya Nellitheertha – Chende & Maddale
Deepak Rao Pejavar – Sthree Veshadari
Gangadhar D Shettigar Kinnigoli & Nithin Kumpala – Prasadana & Veshabhushana
President of Gammath Kalavader Dubai, Rajesh Kuthar compered the whole event while senior member/artiste Girish Narayan conveyed the vote of thanks.
The programme ended with a sumptuous buffet vegetarian lunch.