Mysore/Mysuru: Marking World Folk-Day, Kannada Janapada Parishat had organised a function at Institute of Engineers here yesterday.

On the occasion, folk singers Amma Ramachandra, Pannaga Vijayakumar, Mariswamy, Manusri, P. Somashekar, Sumanth Vasishta and others rendered popular folk songs including Sojugada Suju Mallige, Bhagyada Balegara and Tingalu Molagidavu among others.

Later, Sobane Pada singer Sannamma, Tatwapada singer J. Jattappa, artist Nataraju C. Lingadhir, P.K. Ramu and Nagarathna, who has done extensive research on tribal people including those of Chikka Bomma and Bommi tribes were felicitated.

Speaking on the occasion, retired Additional Commissioner of Commercial Tax Helavarahundi Siddappa, who presided over the programme, highlighted the importance of preserving tribal culture and said, “In India, only ten percent of tribal population remain and others have become extinct, so we need to preserve their rich tradition. Bihar and Orissa Governments have declared World Folk-Day as holiday. This day should be celebrated all over the country and a holiday be declared.”

Government Employees Union District President H.K. Ramu inaugurated  and addressed the gathering. District President of Kannada Janapada Parishat H. Kyathanahalli Prakash, retired Horticulture Department Asst. Director H. Hanumaiah, Vedavyasa Seva Trust President Pannaga Vijaykumar, Kamsale artist Kamsale Kumaraswamy, President of Chamarajanagar District Kannada Janapada Parishat Raniprabha and others were present.