Vishwakarma community has contributed a lot for art and culture: Seer

Mysore/Mysuru: Maintaining that Vishwakarma community has contributed a lot for the growth of arts and culture, Sri Shivasugnana Theertha Swamiji of Sri Vishwakarma Mutt at Aremadanahalli in Arakalgud taluk of Hassan district, opined that while physical wealth is momentary, the wealth of traditions and culture remains permanent.

He was speaking after conferring ‘Shilpashri’ award (2022) at the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Karnataka Shilpakala Academy, Bengaluru and the birth centenary celebrations of National Award-winning sculptors late Devalakunda Vadiraj and late B. Basavanna at Vijnana Bhavan in Manasagangothri along Hunsur Road here yesterday.

Observing that India has its own footprints in the world of sculpture since the times of Amarashilpi Jakanachari till now when our own Yogiraj Shilpi has made a mark, Sri Shivasugnana Theertha Swamiji said that the temple sculptures of Amarashilpi Jakanachari remains outstanding even today.

Noting that developed countries may build sky-rise buildings adopting the latest technologies, the Seer wondered whether these countries do have a rich culture, heritage, traditions and writings just like India. Contending that massive structures are no match to our glorious traditions, he said that India can boast of having rich history, while at the same time, countries like America and China cannot claim this. India has such a rich culture that foreigners invite our musicians, scholars, artists and writers out of affection and felicitate them, he added.

Scion of Vijayanagar Anegundi royal family Krishna Devaraya said that perhaps India is the only country where our family life and cultural practices are blended.

Recalling his study in the USA, where he was for about eight years, he said during his stay, he learnt that there can be no comparison of our culture with other countries. He further said that the future generations would remember us if we do something for our country and culture.

Senior actor Suchendra Prasad, in his address, said that it was Vishwakarma community which explained to the world the secrets of Dharma, Artha, Kaama and Moksha through sculptures and other arts. The sculptures of the past portray our rich culture and heritage, he added.

Ten noted sculptors — N. Raghavendra of Gadag, K. Satish Acharya of Udupi, K. Suresh Acharya of Vijayanagar, Nagendra S. Kammar of Dharwad, Ashok R. Badiger of Belagavi, G.V. Shivakumar of Bengaluru, Nagaraj B. Kambar of Yadgir, Veeresh G. Mayacharya of Bagalkot, Ningappa D. Keri of Kalaburagi and D.N. Chandrashekar of Shivamogga — were conferred the prestigious ‘Shilpashri’ Award (2022) on the occasion.

Later, a Violin Jugalbandi Concert was presented by internally acclaimed violist brothers Vid. Mysore M. Nagaraj and Vid. Mysore M. Manjunath.

Karnataka Shilpakala Academy Chairman Veeranna M. Arkasali and Registrar R. Chandrashekar, Kannada & Culture Joint Director V.N. Mallikarjunaswamy, Rangayana Deputy Director Nirmala Mathapati and others were present.