Veteran actor Sundar Raj at Chinnara Mela

Mysuru:  “One should not become a prey to western culture but instead save and nurture our country’s culture and food habits,” said veteran actor Sundar Raj.

He was speaking after inaugurating ‘Jogigondu Angi’ programme as part of ‘Chinnara Mela,’ where the statue of Kindarajogi was draped in a dress stitched by children,  at the Rangayana premises here yesterday.

“There is a saying ‘Man proposes, God Disposes.’ So, although we plan many things in life, it might not work the way we planned. But when we suddenly get something which we never thought of or aspired for, then we have to accept it gladly and only then it will give us happiness. The word Truth is inbuilt in our culture and tradition. In the national logo we can see the words ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed. Not only should we always speak the truth but also keep up the promises,” he said.

“Even though the parents go hungry, they feed their children. They work hard to educate them and give them good clothes. Hence, children should never forget the sacrifices of their parents. This day, the children have stitched a special dress for Kindarajogi using old clothes. This is a symbol of harmony,” the veteran actor said.

The parents must not give children mobiles and tabs. They should not allow them to watch TV. They should be instead taught to live the way life is led just like in Rangayana, he added.

Hirannaiah remembered

Giant of the Professional Theatre Master Hirannaiah’s death is a great loss to theatre world. He wore the paint as a child artiste and went on to rule the theatre world, recalled Sundar Raj.

Before the programme commenced, tributes were paid to Master Hirannaiah on his passing away yesterday morning.

Later, the play of Kindarajogi (Pied Piper) leading the children away was staged with the message always keep the promises made to the children.

Rangayana Director Bhagirathi Bai Kadam, Joint Director Mallikarjunaswamy and others were present.

Kindarajogi  

The imposing statue of Kindarajogi on Rangayana campus is an added attraction for visitors. The statue has an important place in the history of Rangayana. It was displayed at a Dasara Exhibition decades ago.

The Kindarajogi statue was later installed at Rangayana to mark its milestone production — “Bommanahalliya Kindarajogi” directed by B.V. Karanth, Founder-Director of the repertoire, Rangayana.

A giant gown for Kindarajogi !

The children participating in Chinnara Mela came together to stitch a dress for the nearly 22-foot tall Kindarajogi statue, by using all the old and torn clothes. “The project for stitching the dress for Kindarajogi began almost 15 days ago. The children brought whatever clothes they had like pants, shirts and other dresses. For instance the children made a garland out of the buttons and designed the whole dress using their creative abilities,” said Bhagirathi Bai Kadam, speaking to Star of Mysore here this morning.

“Neha, a young designer, went on draping Kindarajogi as and when the children stitched the dress. However, the children were not aware of how their work would finally take shape. They were thrilled when they saw Kindarajogi draped with the giant gown they had made,” she added.