Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, May 26: Mantra Natyakala Gurukul dance institute organized 'Gurukul Utsava - 2015' at Thokkottu on Saturday May 23. On this occasion, the 'Yaksha Mantryaka' award was conferred on astute dance trainer, Sabbanakody Rama Bhat.

Also, ace photojournalist of daijiworld Dayanand Kukkaje, journalists Mohan Kuthar of daijiworld, Vidyadhar Shetty, Shashidhar Poyyattabail, Vasant N Konaje, and Nishant Mungath received 'Mantra Madhyama' awards on the occasion.

The Utsava was inaugurated by celebrated dance trainer, Ullal Mohan Kumar. He advised the young generation to nurture the art of Bharatnatyam with patience, and under the guidance of their Gurus, to be able to master this art form.

As part of the festival, Bharatnatyam dance competition was organized. In the junior section, Bhoomika Vasant stood first, while the second spot went to Likhita Lokesh. In the seniors section, Manasa and Sumant S Ayengar were placed first and second in that order.

In the folklore competition, Yashaswi Kalakendra was adjudged the winner. Shrutilaya Kala Kendra bagged the second position. Vidushi Soumya Sudheendra Rao and Vidushi Shruthi Gururaj participated as judges for this competition.

In the cultural section, Aditi Arakkali and Swheta B M presented Bharatnatyam programme. Students of Mantra institute performed dance drama, 'Natya Kala Darshini'. Sponsored by Kannada and culture department, Padre Chandu Yakshagana training centre presented 'Srikrishna Charitamrita' episode.

'Yaksha Mantryaka' award was presented to Sabbanakody Rama Bhat by Natyacharya, Ullal Mohan Kumar. Krishna Kukkaje, Tantry of Sri Kalikamba Anjaneya temple Kukkaje delivered benedictory address. Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat vice president, Satish Kumpala, presided.

State health minister, U T Khadar, and president of Sri Cheerumbha Bhagawati Tiya Samaja Seva Sangha, Chandrahas Ullal, participated as guests. Ullal block Congress president, Eshwar Ullal, Kolya Natyaniketana dance director, Vidushi Rajashree Ullal, president of Gatti Samaja Seva Sangha, Vishwanath Gatti Vogga, former managing trustee of Sri Ullalti Dharmarasara Kshetra, U S Prakash and several others were present.

Satish Kumpala appreciated the institute for introducing young children to Bharatnatyam art form, in spite of lack of support and encouragement for Indian art forms because of invasion of western culture.

Dance director of the institute, Vidwan Shravan Ullal, welcomed. Secretary, Kiran Ullal, proposed vote of thanks. Dhanalaxmi proposed vote of thanks.