Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (MS)

Bantwal, Jan 13: The 50th Yakshapayana celebration and book release program honoring senior Yakshagana artiste Sarapady Ashoka Shetty was held at the Golden Park grounds, B.C. Road, on Saturday. The event was organized under the aegis of the Karnataka Government's Kannada and Culture Department and Chinnaraloka Mokeda Kalavider Sevabandhu.

The event was inaugurated by former MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, who remarked, "Sarapady Ashoka Shetty is one of Yakshagana's finest artistes, known for his use of expressive and relevant words in performances. Beyond Yakshagana, he has made significant contributions as a politician and social worker, often supporting fellow artistes during tough times."

Presiding over the function, B. Bhujabali Dharmasthala said, "When Sarapady Ashoka Shetty takes the stage, the essence of Yakshagana reaches unparalleled heights. May his artistic journey continue to scale greater heights."

Senior artiste Mohandas Shetty released the commemorative book and extended his best wishes to Ashoka Shetty, who was felicitated on the occasion. In response, Ashoka Shetty expressed gratitude, acknowledging the support of his co-artistes, fans, and art patrons as pivotal to his journey.

Dejappa Bachakere, trustee of Bachakere Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple, and Tharanatha Pambada were also honored for their contributions.

Yakshagana Mangaluru executive president Bhaskar Rai Kukkuvalli praised Ashoka Shetty's multifaceted contributions and noted that his unique talent has earned him numerous awards.

Dignitaries present included Karavali Kalotsava Samiti president Sudarshan Jain Panjikallu, Sasihitlu Mela manager Rajesh K Gujaran, entrepreneur Chandrahasa Shetty Rangoli, Sadananda Shetty Rangoli, Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation chief secretary Purushottam Bhandary, Chinnaraseva Lokabandhu president Mohandas Kottari Munnuru, stage artiste Pradeep Alva, and others, including writers and entrepreneurs.

The event began with a welcome address by former BUDA president B Devadas Shetty, while Prajwal Shetty Siddakatte compered the event and delivered the vote of thanks.