Mysuru: Sri Durga Nritya Academy and Charitable Trust had organised a programme at Mini Theatre in Kalamandira premises here on Sunday as part of ‘Sri Durga Nrithyotsava’ where ‘Durga Natya Guru Rathna’ award was conferred on Bharatanatyam exponent Prof. K. Ramamurthy Rao and ‘Sri Durga Rathna’ Award on Social Activist D.T. Prakash.

Presenting the awards, Social Worker K. Raghuram opined that Mysuru has always been the cultural capital of the State and added that children taking up art would help improve their personality. 

He said that Bharatanatyam has a divine connection being held in temples also. He advised students to take part in extra-curricular activities besides studies.

Students of the Academy presented a Bharatanatyam show.

Academy Director Srividya, Secretary S.M. Shashidhar, Dr. Chethana of Gurudeva Fine Arts Academy, Dr. Kripa Phadke of Nrithyagiri, Sudha Phaneesh of Samarpana and others were present at the programme.