Mysuru: The 102nd edition of the ‘Interaction with Achievers’ programme was held at Mysore Art Gallery on Ramanuja Road in city recently. 

The event honoured one of Karnataka’s most distinguished senior dance gurus, Karnataka Kalashree Dr. K. Kumar, Professor and Head of the Department of Dance, College of Fine Arts, University of Mysore, Manasagangothri. He is also the Founder and Director of Kumar Performing Arts Centre (KPAC) in Hebbal.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kumar said that everyone should overcome challenges for achieving success in life.

Recalling the bad days in his life, he said, he grew up in a locality in Mysuru where some people used to taunt him for learning dance and music. “However, I ignored all these taunts and earned a Ph.D degree in Music. Those were the days when learners used to take lessons from their gurus until they (gurus) got tired. But it is unfortunate that such an affectionate and bonding situation has got eroded with the passage of time,” he bemoaned.

Stating that he dedicates his success to his parents, Dr. Kumar said: “I used to often sleep outside the house in the night as I was afraid of my father who was upset about me for learning dance and music. However, my mother was on my side and was always supportive of my choice and interest. After marriage, my wife too supported me fully. Though she is a Paediatrician by profession, she always stood behind me as I pursued my interest and also strived for my success. I have taught people of a village located in the heart of a forest near Sakleshpur and as such I have many disciples there too. I take credit for guiding as many as 24 Research Scholars in getting their Ph.D degrees in the last 13 years.”

Dr. Kumar was accompanied by his wife Dr. G. Malathi and their daughters, Kalemane Sisters — K.M. Lekha and K.M. Nidhi — who actively took part in the event.

Chief guests for the programme were eminent senior theatre artiste K.J. Narayan Shetty and critic   K.J. Kikkeri Narayan. Founder-President of Mysore Art Gallery L. Shivalingappa presided over the event.

Mysore Art Gallery Secretary Dr. Jamuna Rani V. Mirle,  who welcomed, also compered.

Earlier, the event commenced with the unveiling of the emblem. The interaction was  moderated by Dr. Jamuna Rani. 

Dr. Kumar’s disciples, including Karnataka Kalashree Vidu. Pushpa Krishnamurthy, Vid. M. Gopal, Sagar, Vid. Anandraj Urs, Mysuru, Dr. Sahana Bhat, Hubballi and Vid. S.M. Sharath, Mysuru and Kannada Sahitya Kalakoota, Mysuru, President M. Chandrashekar were present.