Chamarajanagar: “A Folk Art Training Centre should be set up in Chamarajanagar in memory of popular Gorava Kunita artiste late Puttamallegowda,” opined Karnataka Janapada Academy Chairman B. Takappa Kannuru.

Speaking at a function organised by Karnataka Janapada Academy in memory of the late Gorava Kunita artiste at Sri Chamarajeshwara Temple premises here, he said that the Folk Centre should teach all art forms including ‘Gorava Kunita.’

He assured that if anyone comes forward to write a book on life and works of late Puttamallegowda, the Academy will publish the same.

“Our elected representatives did not even bother to build a house for late Puttamallegowda. They need our art forms but neglect artistes. If late Puttamallegowda would have born in any foreign country, he would have been an icon for them. Young artistes should cultivate his discipline and ideals in their life,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, senior theatre artiste Srinivas G. Kappanna said: “Now we have lost artistes like Girish Karnad and Master Hirannaiah, but Government is not even bothered to organise a programme to condole their death.”

Stating that late Puttamallegowda was a talented artiste, he said that folk artistes should be recognised and supported on par with classical artistes.

Janapada scholar Dr. Kalegowda Nagavara said: “A documentary about life and works of late Puttamallegowda should be made as well as a book should be published. ‘Gorava Kunita’ has been filmed and telecast by BBC several times.”

Academy Members Dr. Venkatesh Indwadi and Mahadevu, Registrar Siddharama Sindhe, Rajyotsava awardee Chennamallegowda, Kenchamallegowda, former Member of Municipal Council Ganesh Dikshit, Kannada Sahitya Parishat Taluk President Basavaraju, C.M. Narasimhamurthy, Arunkumar, Haradanahallli Nataraju and others were present.