Mysuru: “India is a country with diverse art forms. Besides, we also have litterateurs who take these art forms to the international level with their writings and it is a matter of pride to us,” said Dr. T.S. Devaraja, Registrar (Evaluation) of Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal (KSGH) Music and Performing Arts University, Mysuru.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 20th year ‘Taranga Ratna’ award ceremony organised jointly  by KSGH Music University and URISE Vedic Sangeetha Academy at the Varsity premises in Lakshmipuram  here recently.

“Bharatanatyam which is one of the major cultural art forms in India should not be limited to our country only. It must be spread across the world. Let Bharatanatyam be a professional art so that it should be popular everywhere as this helps in nurturing the culture,” he added.

‘Taranga Ratna’ Lifetime Achievement award was conferred on Hindustani Musicologist Prof. R. Visweswaran and renowned Danseuse Dr. Vasundhara Doraswamy on the occasion.

URISE Founder M. Chinmayi said that the achievements of veteran  artistes are eternal and unique. “They have taught their respective art forms to thousands of disciples, thus succeeding in contributing immensely in their respective fields. Their lifetime achievement is a great treasure in the conservation of the country’s culture,” she added.

Acharya Anjana Ramesh, College students and others were present on the occasion.