BENGALURU
“The folk arts such as songs, stories, dances, etc. that have been traditionally practiced among the rural people of all languages of India are rich. The work of encouraging and bringing them out should be continuous,” said former Minister Arvind Limbavali.
Speaking at the inauguration of the three-day drama festival organised by the Janapadaru Cultural Forum as part of the centenary celebrations of drama performances, he recalled the idea of establishing a Folk University in Karnataka during his tenure as Higher Education Minister, emphasizing that such initiatives are essential for the preservation and growth of folk arts. He expressed hope that similar programmes would continue to increase under the Janapadaru Cultural Forum.
On the occasion, saxophonist M.S. Subbalakshmi, who achieved a world record in saxophone playing, was felicitated, and the play “Gyanadegula Nammura Sarkari Shale”, written by Janapadaru Secretary Siddheshwar Nanasumane, was released.
Forum President Katamnallur Papanna said the organisation has been actively working to promote cultural awareness and preserve traditional art forms. He added that the forum has successfully completed 100 shows featuring renowned art troupes from across the state and is also training youth in acting. The forum, he noted, is equipped with a modern auditorium featuring state-of-the-art facilities to support artistic performances.
Former Mandur Gram Panchayat President Jyothipura Venu, film actor Suresh, members of forum M Suresh, Madhusudan, Tavarekere Shivakumar, Muniraju Bidaragrahara, Shivakumar Katamnallur, Venkatachalapathy, Rajanna, Mamatha, Basavaraju, Krishnasuresh, GB Chandrashekhar, Bagepalli Krishnamurthy and others were present.