Yakshagana important medium to propagate Indian culture and values: Sode Seer

Udupi: It is a day in Yakshagana history to be written in golden letters. Udupi is a place where Tenku and Badagu Thittu enjoy equal patronage. It makes sense that the first Samagra Yakshagana Sammelana is being held at such a central location, said Sri Vishwavallabha Theertha Swamiji of Sode Vadiraja Matha on Sunday.

Being a living art form, there is a need to experiment in the Yakshagana field from time to time. But the changes should be in a specific framework without affecting the essence of Yakshagana, he opined.

Swamiji said that Vedas, Puranas, and history form the core of Indian culture. Yakshagana is an important medium by which these values reach out to the masses. So it is the responsibility of the artistes to make the depictions of mythological characters eye-catching, he added.

Further, he said that burning issues in the field of Yakshagana should be resolved through conferences with mutual discussions and debates.

The seer also felicitated the achievers in the field of Yakshagana at the state-level conference.

President of the Sammelana Dr. M. Prabhakar Joshi, MLA K Raghupati Bhat, Ambalapady temple trustee Dr. N.B. Vijay Ballal, Working President of the Sammelana Dr. G.L. Hegde, senior artistes Dr. Kolyur Ramachandra Rao and Pathala Venkataramana Bhat were present.

On this occasion, Sode Sri released the works penned by S N Panjaje and Surendra Paniyoor.

75 achievers felicitated

As many as 75 achievers in the Yakshagana field including Udayavani were felicitated on this occasion.

Udayavani was felicitated in recognition of its significant contribution to the field of Yakshagana. Editor Aravinda Navada received the award on behalf of ‘Udayavani’.