Mysore/Mysuru:  MLC Dr. D. Thimmaiah has said that folk arts and pro-people Utsavas have enriched our cultures.

He was speaking after inaugurating ‘Janapara Utsava’ programme organised jointly by the District Administration and Kannada & Culture Department, Talakad Gram Panchayat, Government Degree College, Government PU College, Government High School and Subbanna Girls High School, at Talakad Government High School premises recently.

‘Janapara Utsava’ is the festival of various cultural facets of this land. Department of Kannada and Culture is identifying and encouraging various forms of art troupes. During the tenure of Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister, the Government has formulated many welfare programmes for the poor, Dalits and women. Many of the programmes being implemented now are empowering women. CM is promoting social justice without any bias towards any one caste or religion. Social Welfare and District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa is supporting the CM in all his endeavours,” said Dr. Thimmaiah.

Assistant Director of Kannada and Culture Department Dr. M.D. Sudarshan, who spoke on the occasion, said that the Janapara Utsava is being organised under special unit programme for Scheduled Caste artistes.

“Many artistes who haven’t got opportunities to display their talents till now, were asked to submit their applications and artistes from hitherto neglected art forms have been given a platform to display their skills. To identify and encourage local talents, the Utsava is being organised in Talakad,” added Dr. Sudarshan.

District Minister’s Officer on  Special Duty Ravikumar, Gram Panchayat (GP) President Shobha Mallanni, GP Development Officer Mahesh, staff and students of various institutions of Talakad and artistes participated in the Utsava.