Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NM)

Udupi, Aug 19: The contribution of veteran artists of undivided Dakshina Kannada and North Kannada towards ‘Yakshagana’ has been immense.

Artists like Chitwani Ramachandra Hegde, with their skills have taken ‘Yakshagana’ upto the national level, and hence popularized it, said Udupi district in-charge minister Kota Srinivas Poojary.

Speaking at the felicitation at the ‘Swarna Sabhrama Samthsara 2012-13’ organized here in Kuthyaru of Shirva on Saturday, August 18, Chitwani Ramachandra Hegde said that earlier, the practice of Yakshagana was prevalent only in the southern part of Karnataka, however, today it has reached most of the places of India.

Requesting the young generation to cherish this practice, he said, “I thank my supporters and fans for their continuous encouragement, which is the reason why I was able to reach this height”.
 
In the presidential address, Kapu MLA Lalaji R Mendon said that Yakshagana has played an important role to preach about the great Indian epics, ‘Ramayan’ and ‘Mahabharath’.

If they are a part of the household fame, the credit goes to the practice of ‘Yakshagana’, he stated. He lauded the efforts of the youth club for organizing such a meaningful programme.
 
At the occasion, the youth club also felicitated MLA Lalaji R Mendon.
 
Parashurama temple trustee Shambudas, Kuthyar panchayath secretary Dhiraj Kulal, Dinesh Kuthyar, Mahesh shared the dais.
 
Arun Kullal read the citation. Honorary president Kenja Shridhar Thathri presented the key note address and welcomed the guests. Kuthyar Shetty expressed his gratitude towards the august gathering.