Mysore/Mysuru: University of Mysore Prasaranga Director Dr. M. Nanjaiah Honganur expressed concern that folklore arts have long been neglected during Dasara.

He was speaking after inaugurating a seminar on ‘Necessity of Training Youth in Folklore Arts’ at the Free Theatre and Folk Art Forms Training Camp -2025, organised jointly by Gowthama Education and Cultural Seva Trust and the Department of Kannada & Culture at B.V. Karanth Ranga Chavadi in Rangayana premises recently.

Pointing out that Dasara is celebrated with rich cultural diversity, Dr. Nanjaiah lamented that folklore has been conveniently ignored and folk artistes often treated with disdain. He urged the Dasara authorities to provide greater opportunities for women folk artistes and demanded that the honorarium for folk performers be increased from the current Rs. 2,000 to  Rs. 5,000, ensuring that folk arts receive their rightful place in the celebrations.

Regretting the declining interest in literature and culture and the growing fascination with Western trends, Dr. Nanjaiah stressed that India’s identity lies in its folk traditions. He emphasised that cultural originality can be preserved only if the younger generation takes up the responsibility of conserving folk arts.

Folk scholar Dr. Appagere Thimmaraju also addressed the gathering. Gowthama Trust President Krishnamurthy Talakad, Dr. Sridhar Murthy, Dr. Somanna, Ramachandra and several others were present.