Arebhashe community must focus on education to reach newer heights: K.G. Bopaiah

Mysuru: Karnataka Arebhashe Samskruti Mathu Sahitya Academy in association with Kodagu Gowda Samaja, Mysuru, had organised ‘Arebhashe Samskruti Paripalakara Samagama’ at Kodagu Gowda Samaja premises in Vijayanagar 2nd Stage here this morning.

About 300 people from the Arebhashe Gowda community participated in the event which featured seminars by resource persons and interactions which will be followed by Arebhashe Geetha Gayana by Shashidar Mavinakatti and troupe later in the evening.

Inaugurating the programme, MLA Vasu said that Arebhashe Gowdas formed a major ethnic group in parts of Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu who have carved a  niche for themselves in society with their rich culture which should be propagated for the next generation. He opined that such programmes would be a good platform for the people of the ethnic group to mingle and interact.

Speaking as the special guest, former Assembly Speaker and MLA Kombarana G. Bopaiah observed that Arebhashe culture was popular in Kodagu which should be held in high esteem in today’s civilisation.

Stating that many from the group had reached top positions in society like D.V. Sadananda Gowda (Union Minister), the MLA called upon the members of the ethnic group to focus on education to come out of the shell and shine in society by winning laurels.  He also asked the members to stand united.

As part of the event, a few traditional objects like winnowing tray, harivana, bronze puja tray, mandekathi and copper vessels were put on display.

Academy Chairman Kolyada Girish presided. Soorthale Somanna, President, Gowda Samaja Okkuta, Madikeri; Periyana Jayananda, President, Kodagu Gowda Samaja, Madikeri; Chettimada Janardhan, President, Kodagu Gowda Samaja, Mysuru; Kunjilana Muthamma, President, Kodagu Gowda Mahila Okkuta, Madikeri; Academy Registrar Umarabba; Programme Convenor Mandrira Mohandas and others were present.