Moodbidri: Tradition Takes Centre Stage as Alva's Virasat Begins
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Moodbidri (NM)
Moodbidri, Jan 10: Shobhabhavan in Mijar wore a festive look on Thursday January 10 as this year's edition of Alva's Virasat, the annual cultural extravaganza hosted by Alva's Education Foundation got off to a grand start.
The event kicked off with a colourful procession, followed by a stage programme where Dharmadhikari of Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala Dr D Veerendra Heggade formally inaugurated the four-day cultural festival in the presence of other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Heggade said that Indian values are built around family, and that respect for women is an innate and important aspect of those values.
Stressing further on the need to preserve Indian culture and tradition, he said that crime against women could be curtailed if more emphasis was laid on imbibing values.
He also appreciated Alva's Education Foundation chairman Dr Mohan Alva for upholding the
culture of the land and spreading the fragrance of true art through events like Virasat. He said that such programmes not only contribute towards preservation of culture, but also build team spirit, confidence and organizing skills in students which will in turn help them in their future.
The 'Alva's Virasat Award' was conferred on renowned classical dancer Padmabhushan Dr Padma Subramanyam on the occasion. She was brought to the venue with great fanfare, carried on a palaquin accompanied by the beat of traditional music and a large gathering.
Acknowlegding the honour, Dr Padma Subramanyam said that culture and education should be intergrated and that Alva's Virasat was a fitting example of the two coming together.
Nitte Education Trust chairman Dr N Vinaya Hegde presided over the inaugural function.
Dr Mohan Alva welcomed the gathering.
Later in the evening, 'Raaga Lahari' performed by various artistes like Carnatic vocalist Padmabhushan D M Balamuralikrishna and flutist Pandit Ronu Mujandar enthralled the audience.
Students, guests and public in general were present in large numbers.