Mysuru: Senior theatre personality and actor Mandya Ramesh stated that Kannada theatre owes its global recognition to the State’s rich cultural heritage and its deep-rooted folklore traditions.

He was speaking at the ‘Rotary-Kadamba’ Theatre Award function organised by Rotary Mysore North in association with Kadamba Rangavedike  at the Institution of Engineers on JLB Road here on Monday.

Ramesh noted that theatre has been supported in the State since the time of the erstwhile Mysore Maharajas.

 “The Mysore rulers used to host plays by the renowned Gubbi Veeranna Drama Company at the Jaganmohan Palace, which attracted large crowds. Even today, people support quality theatre. There is no loss for good plays, as audiences continue to watch them in large numbers. Theatre has always played a vital role in bringing the truth to the people,” he said.

Reflecting on his own experiences, Ramesh shared that he would often watch plays during his free time. He stressed  the importance of teaching other languages alongside Kannada, but Kannada should remain the primary focus.

He also called for more initiatives to promote Kannada through reading, writing and speaking. He praised the Rotary for its continued efforts in promoting Kannada artists and the arts.

The ‘Rotary-Kadamba’ Theatre Award was conferred upon Actor-Director U.S. Ramanna, Actor, Makeup Artist  and Designer Ashwath Kadamba, Actor-Director N. Dhananjaya and Actor-Singer Disha Ramesh.

Senior Journalist Amshi Prasannakumar, Rotary Mysore North President Prabhakar, attended the event.  Secretary L.R. Mahadevaswamy (who is also the District BJP President), Kadamba Rangavedike President Rajashekar Kadamba, Shivakumar, and others were present.