Mysuru:  Marking World Puppetry Day, Kannada Janapada Parishat, Mysuru Wing, together with St. Joseph’s First Grade College, had organised a function at the college premises in Jayalakshmipuram here on Wednesday.

Inaugurating the programme, Scholar C.P. Siddhashrama contended that folklore was becoming popular across the world.

He pointed out that folklore always promoted harmony and friendship giving no room for any idea of terrorism.

However, he regretted that even after 60 years of Independence, the country continues to be plagued by casteism. He appealed the Government to recognise and honour distinguished folk artistes.

Speaking on the occasion, Parishat Working President Dr. S. Balaji regretted that several Puppeteers were in bad state in Karnataka are forced to give up the art and eke out a living with errand jobs.

College Principal Dr. V. Nivedita presided. Joint Commissioner of Commercial Tax Dr. Banegowda, Parishat Mysuru Wing President H. Prakash, Convenor of Bengaluru Wing Dr. Kanakathara, Mysuru Convenor Ganesh Kumar, MDES Secretary Fr. Vijay Kumar and others were present.

H.C. Thammannachar and troupe from Nanjangud presented a puppet show which attracted the students who are usually glued to TV screens and social media.