Mysore/Mysuru: Lamenting that researchers have failed to recognise the contribution of  Akashavani artist and theatre Director N.S. Vaman in the field of theatre and arts, noted scholar Dr. Kabbinale Vasanth Bharadwaj said that Vaman came to be known as ‘Trivikrama’ for his feats.

He was speaking at N.S. Vaman  centenary celebrations that was organised by Karnataka Nataka Academy in association with Chaitra Foundation, Abhiruchi  Balaga and Aasakti Prakashana at Kirurangamandira in Kala-mandira premises here recently.

Regretting that Universities have ignored to take up research on the achievements and feats of N.S. Vaman, he wondered why Vaman was not chosen as a subject of study for research by Ph. D students. Contending that it is not easy to script and direct more than 2,500 plays for Akashavani and the theatre, Dr. Bharadwaj said that Vaman, who hailed from Nanjangud, popularised Kannada theatre in far off Delhi and elsewhere in the country.

Recalling that Vaman who worked for Akashavani for four decades, succeeded in bringing great actors like Dr. Rajkumar, K.S. Ashwath and Master Hirannaiah for Akashavani programmes, he bemoaned that the Government failed to extend financial benefits upon his retirement from Akashavani.

Dr. Bharadwaj also released ‘Trivikramanaada  Vamana’ and ‘Rangada Rangu’ books on the occasion. Novelist Usha Narasimhan in her address, highlighted the achievements of Vaman in different fields. She  also stressed on the need for educating the present generation on the achievements of Vaman.

The programme also featured release of special issue of ‘Savigannada’ magazine, a photo expo on the life and achievements of Vaman, conferment of book awards, a seminar on Vaman’s contributions to theatre and culture and a host of other cultural programmes.

Karnataka Nataka Academy Chairman Prof. R. Bhimsena presided. Mysuru District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Maddikere Gopal, Journalist Amshi Prasanna Kumar, Poet Jayappa Honnali, Maharani’s  Commerce College Kannada faculty Prof. Mysuru Krishnamurthy, Gamaka Scholar Dr. N.K. Ramasheshan, Danseuse Jamuna Rani Mirle, actress Indrasudha, Science writer S. Ramprasad, Abhiruchi Balaga Founder President N.V. Ramesh, Chaitra Foundation’s Dr. Sudha Ramesh, N.V. Balachandra and others were present.