Daijiworld News Network - Mangalore / Moodbidri - with inputs from Raymond D'Cunha Taccode
Pic by RK Bhat from Media Centre, Mijar, Moodbidri - Tuesday, 11-00 pm

Moodbidri, Jan 3: Culture indeed came alive at Moodbidri on Tuesday evening. The spectacle that was presented at a small-time town like Moodbidri bore ample evidence to the fact that Indian culture and heritage was still alive and kicking, and that it would remain imperishable against the onslaught of urbanization, globalization and Westernization. It was all thanks to one man who stood out with his organizational skills and dedication and commitment towards culture, the one and only Dr Mohan Alva.

Nagathihalli Chandrashekar inaugurates the event as Dr Alva, Amaranath Shetty, Vinaya Hegde and K S Suresh Babu look on

This sentiment was echoed by none other than Kannada film-maker Nagathihalli Chandrashekar, after inaugurating the national-level culural festival, Virasat 2006, which opened at Shobhavana, Mijar near here. Chandrashekar further said that a person single-handedly holding an event of this kind, that too without any government grant or support, was an example to be followed by others.

Even foreign visitors make it a point to visit Moodbidri during Virasat every year 

Nitte Education Trust chairman N VInaya Hegde,  who presided over the function, called Dr Alva a perfectionist and a person who derived internal happiness by conducting cultural heritage festivals. The entire western coast should feel proud of him, he said.

Sonal Mansingh keenly studies the items displayed at the exhibition 

Guest of honour, western range inspector general of police K S Suresh Babu said that the real concept of beauty was being represented at Shobhavana. Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala's Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade, local MLA and state government's chief whip K Abhayachandra Jain and DC Dr H V Parshwanath could not be present, owing to unforeseen circumstances.

Young performers making a cultural display

Earler, eminent Odissi-Bharatanatyam-Kuchipudi danseuse Sonal Mansingh was ushered in a traditional palanquin in a procession and honoured with the very first 'Virasat Award' - for 2006. Now onwards, every year, an artiste of national stature is intended to be honoured likewise at the annual Virasat event.

Sonal Mansingh being presented the Virasat 2006 Award

Alva's Education Foundation president Dr Mohan Alva welcomed the gathering. Nityananda Shetty compered the programme and also proposed the vote of thanks. Family head Mijarguttu Anand Alva, former state minister Amaranath Shetty Kodman, Alva's Foundation trustee Jayashree A Shetty and others were present on the dais.