Mysuru: The three-day Thyagaraja – Purandara Dasa Aradhana Mahotsava organised by Sri Krishna Ganasabha as part of its 17th Anniversary, began at the Sabha premises in Gokulam yesterday.

Speaking after inaugurating the event, Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy lauded Ganasabha President B.S. Sridhar Raj Urs for its steady growth over the years.

Commending the Sabha for its continued patronisation of Music and Arts, he said that Sridhar Raj Urs had turned the Sabha into a ‘Kalakshetra’ with the organisation of Aradhana Mahotsava.

Regretting that India has remained a developing country even 70 years after independence, while some other countries which earned independence later on have progressed much, he said that a society which patronises art, literary and cultural activities, will be a more sacred and sympathetic society.

Former MLA Vasu said that Mysuru, the cultural capital of Karnataka, is always in the forefront in hosting cultural and musical events. Maintaining that the music programmes held at Ganabharathi, Nadabrahma Sangeetha Sabha, Sri Krishna Ganasabha etc., were of international standards, he said that the music concert presented by H.R. Leelavathi’s disciples at the Sabha was a delight to listen.

Pointing out that Mysuru provides ample opportunities in educational, cultural and medical sectors, he called upon the people, organisations and associations to engage themselves in societal service.

On the occasion, the Sabha felicitated K.B. Ganapathy, Vasu, Leelavathi and Corporator SBM Manju. Earlier, noted Sugama Sangeetha artiste Vidushi H.R. Leelavathi’s disciples Vidu. Rohini Mohan, Vidu. Surekha Hegde and Vid. Dhanush Jagadeesh presented a ‘Bhava Lahari’ programme.  Ganasabha President B.S. Sridhar Raj Urs presided.