Mysore/Mysuru: Personalities such as Bangalore North University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niranjan Vanalli, Karnataka Nataka Academy Chairman K.V. Nagaraja Murthy, former NAAC Director Prof. S.C. Sharma and former Rangayana Director Rajaram have demanded that the Government should frame a ‘Clear Cultural Policy’ for promotion of Arts, Literature, Drama, Music and other forms of Art.

They spoke on the topic  “The influence of the power structure on the representation for lower sections of the society in Performing Arts and Media” at the two-day National Seminar organised by Karnataka State Mass Communication and Journalism Teachers Association at KSGH Music and Performing Arts University on JLB road here on recently.

Dr. Vanalli, in his address, observed that of late, private visual and the print media are neglecting Arts, Literature, Drama and Dance. Noting that cultural events and activities used to get importance in the earlier days, he lamented that today the media are showing disinterest for telecasting such events.

Karnataka Nataka Academy Chairman Nagaraja Murthy said it is matter of joy that the Karnataka Government declared Basavanna as the cultural leader of the State.

A great social reformer Basavanna can even become a global cultural icon, he added.

Former NAAC Director Prof. Sharma said that the Music University has earned name for promotion of Arts.

Observing that the University can earn more name and fame if it promotes Hindustani Music and Performing Arts on a much higher scale, Prof. Sharma asserted that a firm cultural policy was needed for reaching out the Government’s cultural events and activities to a larger population.

Former Rangayana Director Rajaram said though there are several shortcomings in Music Varsity, the Music University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nagesh V. Bettakote has put the Varsity on track by overcoming the hurdles and problems that surfaced. Stressing that the co-operation of Government is vital for youths to take a broader and deeper interest in Arts and Culture, he noted that a firm cultural policy is needed for this to happen.

Music University Registrar K.S. Rekha, Karnataka Sangeetha Nruthya Academy Chairperson Dr. Kripa Phadke and others were present.