Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Feb 28: "Daivas are the truth and an integral part of Tuluva religious worship, culture, and history. No one can deny their existence, their resistance against evil, and their divinity in beliefs. However, the current generation of Tuluvas has been hijacked by some communal forces who have imposed myths upon them, forcing them to worship these myths. Now, the people of Tulunadu are running behind imported gods, brought here with political intentions. As a result, we are unknowingly degrading, insulting, and defaming our own Daivas," stated Prof Purushotham Bilimale, former JNU professor and progressive thinker.
He was addressing the gathering at the 'Nirdigantha Utsava', a theatre festival inaugurated at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) on Friday, February 28.
Prof Bilimale condemned the act of placing Daivas beneath the feet of the Parashurama statue at Karkala, saying, "I am surprised that Tuluvas are silent on this matter. In Tulunadu, we place Daivas in higher places and worship them with divinity. However, in Karkala, a section of people, with political motives, have placed Daivas at the feet of the Parashurama statue. This is totally unacceptable and nonsense. Parashurama is a myth and has no role in Tuluva culture and lifestyle. Based on a fabricated story, some have imported him from the Puranas and are now trying to portray him as the creator of Tulunadu. A myth should remain a myth, not history. Our Daivas, on the other hand, are a part of our history and lifestyle."
He further highlighted the communal harmony that has historically existed in Tulunadu, saying, "Our Daivas are the best examples of how Tulunadu existed in times of communal harmony. Folk art like Pad'dhanas and other cultural aspects provide us with hundreds of examples of the harmony that prevailed here. Many Daivas from the Muslim community are worshiped by Hindus. Bobbarya is a prime example. Bobbarya belonged to the Muslim community, with his father Sulakkal Muruva Beary and mother Fathima. During fishing in the sea, he fought against a cyclone and met a heroic death. Today, Bobbarya is the main deity of the fishing community, especially among Hindus in large numbers. However, nowadays, those who are unwilling to continue this harmony are promoting a fabricated story stating that Bobbarya is an avatar of Babruvahana. There is no mention of such an avatar in the Puranas. Yet, the people of Tulunadu have started running after this fabricated story about Bobbarya, which highlights the decline of our Tulu culture and traditions."
Prof Bilimale also urged Tuluvas to remain vigilant and not lose their sense of identity, warning against the rise of fabricated and imported religious practices.
The vice-chancellor of St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Fr Praveen Martis, inaugurated the event. Prakash Raj, the director of Nirdigantha, provided the introductory note.
The four-day festival will feature artistes, theatre troupes, orators, and notable writers from across the state. Eight new plays will be staged, alongside workshops on pottery, handloom, eco-printing, and basket-making.