Mysuru: There was not a single dry eye as the specially-abled children stole the hearts of the people gathered at the start of Dasara Yuva Sambhrama with their steps, dancing to a few popular Kannada tunes, at the Amphitheatre in Manasagangothri here yesterday.

The District Administration’s move to kick start the 408th Dasara celebrations involving the youth of the State, first, before larger things unfold, is a step in the right direction as they are exposed to the rich tradition and culture of the State.

Mayor M.J. Ravikumar, actress Karunya Ram and other dignitaries after lighting the lamp inaugurated the Sambhrama by playing musical instruments used in folk dances like Kamsale, Nagari, Dolu, thus setting the mood for the celebration till Sept. 18.

Heart-touching performance: The special children of Karunamayi Foundation danced to the tunes of patriotic songs of the State. They were all clad in traditional dresses sporting yellow bands around their heads and the songs with patriotic fervour included ‘Huttidare Kannadanadalli huttabeku…’, ‘Kannadada Sidda Hadodakke Yedda…’ ,‘Karunade Kaichachide Node…,’ for which they matched the steps to the tunes.

Their performance was so heart-touching and extraordinary, many including the youth who had gathered in large numbers felt that God had created this special children to inspire others who always grumble in spite of having all senses in place. At the end of the performance, there was a spontaneous standing ovation for the talented children and they did not forget to laud the choreographer Appu for his time and effort in preparing these special children.

The dance-drama presented by Jnana Aithal, the young talented dancer from Mangaluru and her troupe was very attractive when they presented it in Lavani style. Jnana also presented Bollywood  and Kathak style dances and she danced to the tunes of a few Hindi songs including ‘Laila o Laila.’ She also performed the popular dance number ‘Kuniyonabara’ that had won her a first prize in a TV show, to the delight of the youth gathered.

It is not only humans, even Gods descended on the earth to participate in the clean India campaign. Nearly 50 students of Government PU Composite College from Santhemala in Bannuru presented a special dance-drama on the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan theme invoking Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva. The value-based  theme conceived and choreographed by Raju was  applauded by the audience.

In the beginning, the dance feature ‘Navadurgeyarige Namana,’ presented by the students of Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University, stirred the hearts of the people.

The students from Maharani Lakshmi Ammanni College, Bengaluru, Hari Vidyalaya, JSS PU College, Bannimantap, Government FGC College, Vontikoppal, Government FGC, T. Narasipur and others presented a variety of programmes.