MP Yaduveer Wadiyar attends first edition of ‘Uttarayana’ Art and Culture Festival at JCAC

Mysore/Mysuru: Veteran theatre person Prasanna has given a clarion call to youths to blend culture, that is missing among urban dwellers leading towards its peril.

He was speaking after inaugurating the first edition of five-day ‘Uttarayana,’ Art and Culture Festival organised by Jagannatha Centre for Art and Culture (JCAC) at its premises in Vijayanagar 1st Stage here last evening. The Festival concludes on Jan. 27.

The urban areas have deviated from culture, only to embrace commercial exploits of a market. However, Kannada and culture still prevail in rural areas, for the only reason that those who built the land had their roots in villages. To name a few of them, from the troika of Dasas to Sant Kabir, all the philosophers, have remained an integral part of Kayaka Culture, by laying a firm foundation for the cause of Kannada, said Prasanna.

However, of late, owing to rapid urbanisation and modernisation, culture is fading into oblivion. The matter of literature and art is not gaining prominence. Amid this dwindling situation, JCAC has taken shape, which is indeed a matter of pride. JCAC should contribute towards not just uplifting our culture, but spread its tentacles across the globe, he advised.

Regular feature…

Kannada Development Authority (KDA) Chairman Dr. Purushotham Bilimale delivered the main address and described language and culture as the matter of pride.

“There are several religions, languages and cultures, having their roots in other States and also the countries, which have nestled here. But the progress of Kannada has taken a backseat. ‘Uttarayana’-like programmes should be a regular feature, providing a perfect platform for the growth of language and art,” urged Bilimale. He assured to co-host ‘Uttarayana’ from next year onwards, as KDA is for the cause of Kannada.

More cultural events

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, who participated as a chief guest, said: “Yoga, which is popular across the world, has its roots in Mysuru. Saint Ramanujacharya was patronised in Mysuru. Being such a place of eminence, Mysuru should be hosting more such cultural events to foster art and culture.”

The inaugural session was followed by ‘Laya Lavanya’ music concert by Vid. Anoor Ananthakrishna Sharma.

Retired The Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) Officer Ravi Joshi, JCAC Chairman M. Jagannath Shenoy, Uttarayana Festival Chief Curator Vid. Sai Shiv, Curators Vid. Manasa Nayana, Vidu. Dr. Kripa Phadke and Dr. Rama V. Bennur were present.