Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (EP)

Mumbai, Mar 17: "Art is God.  If there is no art, there is no God. I am a follower of the Parishat of Kannadiga artistes.  The Parishat does not belong to a religion. Most artistes are rich in their art but their lives are full of hardships.  The Parishat tries to assist the artistes in their lives", said Kannadiga Parishat president Surendrakumar Hegde, president of cultural art programme held at Shree  at Nerur on Sunday, March 16.

The cultural programme was held under the joint aegis of Kannadiga Artistes Parishat Maharastra Regd, Rangabhoomi Fine Arts Regd Navimumbai and the department of Kannada and culture of the government  of Karnataka, Bangalore.

Ramesh M Poojary, trustee of Sri Shanishwara temple, inaugurated the programme and said that there is no religion to God.  Similarly there is no religion for art. Religions are created by people. Sri Shanishwara hall will always be open for such meaningful programmes, he said.

Gopal Bhat of Gopal Caterers who provided meals during the programme was felicitated on the occasion.

Subhash Shetty, vice president of Kannada Artiste's Parishat; Krishna M Poojary; Senior Yakshagana artiste K K Shetty; Prabhakara S Hegde, honorary chief secretary of Heggade Seva Sangha, Airoli; Prasad K Ninjooru, president of Karnataka Sangha, Kharghar; Harish Shetty Padubidri, vice president of Tulukoota Airoli and Jagadish Shetty Panvel, honorary chief secretary of Rangabhoomi Fine Arts were
present.

V K Suvarna, president of Rangabhoomi Fine Arts welcomed the guests. G T Acharya explained the rules and uses of 'Kannadiga Kalavidara Kaipidi', a booklet planned for release by the parishat.  Daya Sagar Chowta compered the programme.  Anil Hegde proposed vote of thanks.

An impressive dance programme by the cultural division of various cultural groups was held.  A Talamaddale titled 'Bhaktha Sudhanwa' by the members of Rangabhoomi Fine Arts and guest artistes was held at the end of the programme.