Mysore/Mysuru: KSGH Music and Performing Arts University Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nagesh V. Bettakote said that the Government must establish Folk Scholar Kamsale Mahadevaiah Study Chair at Karnataka Folklore University. 

He was speaking at Janapada Academy awardee folk artist Kamsale Kumaraswamy felicitation programme jointly organised by Karnataka Rajya Hindulida Vargagala Jagruta Vedike and Halumatha Mahasabha at Pathrakartara Bhavan on Sunday.

Pointing out that Folk Scholar Kamsale Mahadevaiah took Kamsale art to international levels, Prof. Nagesh Bettakote said that late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi too was very much impressed with the scholarly artiste.

Urging Folklore University located in Haveri district to establish Kamsale Mahadevaiah Study Chair, he said that Kamsale Kumaraswamy, like his father Kamsale Mahadevaiah, has dedicated his entire life for promoting folk arts.

Noting that Kamsale Kumaraswamy has kept Kamsale art alive in India and has promoted  it in western countries like Spain and Germany, he said that just as Jogati is associated with Saundatti Yellamma and Goravara Kunita with Mylara Linga, Kamsale art is associated with                                                                Male Mahadeshwara.

Kamsale Kumaraswamy, who spoke after being felicitated, bemoaned that all folk arts are fading under the influence of modernity. Stressing on the need for saving folk arts for future generations, he said that our culture will remain only if folklore survives.

Noting that his father Kamsale Mahadevaiah dedicated his life for the cause of Kamsale, he said that he too will follow the footsteps of his father and work towards saving folk arts for generations to come.

Karnataka Folklore University Syndicate Member Dr. K. Vasanthkumar said that the Folklore University should have come up at Chamarajanagar instead of Haveri. He called for digitalisation  of folk arts in audio and video forms.

Kannada Sahitya Parishat Mysuru President Dr. Y.D. Rajanna, Bharatiya Dalita Sahitya Academy State President Dr. C. Venkatesh & Kannada activist Mugur Nanjundaswamy were present.