Scion of the erstwhile Vijayanagar’s Royal Anegundi family Krishna Devaraya inaugurates Silver Jubilee celebrations of Karnataka Shilpakala Academy in city

Mysore/Mysuru: Maintaining that protecting sculptures and monuments from damage and deterioration is important, scion of the erstwhile Vijayanagar’s Royal Anegundi family Krishna Devaraya stressed on the need for promoting sculptures and sculptors.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Karnataka Shilpakala Academy, Bengaluru, conferment of ‘Shilpashri’ award (2022) and birth centenary celebrations of late sculptors Devalakunda Vadiraj and B. Basavanna, at a programme organised at Vijnana Bhavan in Manasagangothri along Hunsur Road here  this morning.

Stating that he was very much interested in old sculptures and related arts, Krishna Devaraya  emphasised on the need for promoting budding sculptors and sustaining the art for generations to come. “I am eager to hear all the speakers at the event which will enrich my knowledge of the art,” he said adding that he will speak more later in the day.

Senior Sculptor from Bengaluru Ganesh L. Bhat spoke on the life and sculptural artworks of Devalakunda Vadiraj, while P.R. Nagaraj (Babu) of Mysuru spoke on the life of B. Basavanna.

Vidwan Mysore M. Manjunath, Kannada and Culture Department Joint Director V.N. Mallikarjunaswamy, Rangayana Deputy Director Nirmala Mathapati,  Karnataka Shilpakala Academy Chairman Veeranna M. Arkasali and others were present.

Minister for Kannada and Culture V. Sunil Kumar is scheduled to confer the State-level Shilpashri award to ten noted sculptors of the State, marking the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Academy, at the valedictory of the event later this evening.