Mysore/Mysuru: Vidushi Dr. Kripa Phadke of Nrityagiri Academy of Performing Arts and Research Centre said “Natyacharya M. Vishnudas has made vast contributions to preserve and nurture the dance form in the city.”

She was speaking during 32nd Nrityotsava organised in commemoration of Natyacharya M. Vishnudas, by Bharatiya Nritya Kala Parishath, at Ganabharati auditorium,  Kuvempunagar here on Wednesday.

A native of Muttathody Mardambile, Kasargod taluk in Kerala, Das was born in the year 1927. He later came to Mysuru and practiced dance under the tutelage of senior artiste Natyacharya K.S. Rajgopal and Natya Vidushi Puttakkaiah for eight years. He also practiced classical music under Rajashekaraiah and achieved fame as a vocalist too. A popular Natuvanga singer, he later founded Bharatiya Nritya Kala Parishath in the year 1977 and served as its President for 15 years, said Dr. Phadke.

The artistes practicing dance and music live for long and Vishnudas is the best example for the same. We can also see several other artistes who have dedicated their life for the cause of arts and have lived long, she said.

The following dance troupes gave Bharatanatyam performances on the occasion: Vidushi C.N. Anita and troupe, Nritya Vidyapeetha, Mysuru, Vidushi Vidyashankar and troupe, Sri Mathruka Cultural Trust, Vidwan T.S. Sag and troupe, Sri Sai Raman Nritya Kendra, Tumakuru, Tanvi Prakash of Sri Marikamba Nrityakala Kendra, Bengaluru, Meghana Bhat and Vidwan R. Pavan Kumar, disciples of Acharya Kannan Ramanujam and Vidushi Vidya Rao of Sri Durga Dance Academy, Mysuru.

Vidushi Vidya Ravishankar of Sri Mathruka Cultural Trust, Bengaluru was conferred ‘Nritya Kala Sindhu’ Award on the occasion.

Vidushi Usha Venugopal, Vidushi V. Bhavana and Vidushi Kumudini Achchi were present.