Acclaimed folk singer Dr. Malavalli Mahadevaswamy performs

Mysuru: The Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), in association with Kannada Sahrudaya Balaga, hosted a folk music concert ‘Janapada Kalasourabha’ by the acclaimed folk singer Dr. Malavalli Mahadevaswamy at its Cheluvamba Mansion on Thursday, to commemorate the 69th Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations.

Singer Dr. Malavalli Mahadevaswamy rendered popular folk songs ‘Chellidaru Malligeya’, ‘Sojugada Sooju Mallige’, ‘Ello Jogappa Ninna Aramane’, ‘Anyayakari Brahma e Sundarana Sanyasi Madabahude’, ‘Taayi-Tande Ibbaru Kannige Kanuva Devaru’ and many other songs to applause of the audience.

Prior to this, addressing the audience Dr. Malavalli Mahadevaswamy said that folk is an old tradition in a new generation. “Our ancestors have preserved this art form and we must learn folk and promote our rich heritage. Folk has a strong and deeper roots compared to other forms of music,” opined Dr. Mahadevaswamy.

Stating that he developed interest in folklore after hearing to Harikathas and Dramas in his younger days, he said that his impoverished condition forced him towards achieving something in life.

“I roamed villages and learnt stories about Manteswamy and Siddappaji. There is recognition and value for all the art forms and folk in particular is given importance everywhere. If children are not studious, they should be encouraged to learn and pursue other aspects of our culture like folk and others. Fame and money follow achievement and it is important to focus on achievement. We need to ensure that our children are not swayed towards undesirable habits,” he concluded.

CFTRI Director Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh and Kannada Sahrudaya Balaga Members felicitated Dr. Malavalli  Mahadevaswamy.