Media release

Udupi, Jan 24: Manipal Universal Press (MUP), a unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) released the book titled 'Living Cultures of Tulunadu' authored by Dr Praveen Shetty and Nithesh Anchan.

Releasing the book, Prof Muraleedhar Upadhya, a noted Kannada literary critic said, "the cultural markers of the Tulunadu like Yakshagana, Kambala, Nagaaradhane, Pili Vesha, and Siriaradhane are significant to its cultural memory."

He commended the efforts put in by MAHE and said, "The documentation of traditional practices makes the universities stand out both nationally and internationally and MAHE has always done that through many of its initiatives."

The event was presided over by Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, vice-chancellor, MAHE who congratulated the authors for bringing out this significant book.

He said, "As a university, it is important to nurture and encourage scholars who wish to preserve, archive, promote, and explore local and regional cultures. These cultures are in an ongoing dialogue with academic spaces, and such works in the Indian Knowledge Systems will be significant for a long time," he added.

The guest of honour, Dr P Giridhar Kini, registrar, MAHE, congratulated the team for introducing the certificate course in 'Living Cultures of Tulunadu' for the benefit of larger global audience. He emphasised on the need to continue such projects within the university ecosystem.

The author, Dr Praveen Shetty shed light on the project, “Discerning India: Living Cultures of Tulunadu” which began taking shape in 2021.

He said, the book was not merely a coffee table book, but provided insights into the worship traditions and practices of the region with visual narratives. The project continues to study the cultural landscape of the region with an
academic examination of the local traditions, he maintained.

Welcoming the guests, Prof Neeta Inamdar, chief editor, MUP, and the Head of Manipal Centre for European Studies (MCES) within which the Centre for Intercultural Studies and Dialogue (CISD) functions said, the Centre has been instrumental in facilitating dialogue between India and Europe.

"The online course on the living cultures of Tulunadu weaves together perspectives from intercultural studies, Indian philosophy, and lived experiences of the people in the region," she reiterated.

Finally, Nithesh Anchan, research associate at CISD highlighted the relevance of the project for the Tuluva people and proposed a vote of thanks. The master of ceremony was Priya Poojary.