News: Dhananjaya Moodbidri
Daijworld Media Network – Moodbidri (SP)

Moodbidri, Dec 22: ‘Alva’s Virasat’, an annual internationally acclaimed cultural festival, being held to introduce the richness of different art forms of the country to the people, will be held this time, from January 6 to 10. A beginning was made for the festival, with the inauguration of ‘Shilpa (sculpture) Virasat’ by national level expert, Kanaka Murty, here on Monday December 21.

20 artists belonging to four different divisions of ‘Bastar’, a tribal art heritage of Chattisgarh, will be in Shobhavana, Moodbidri, to share their expertise, knowledge etc., with their south Indian counterparts, for 20 days from December 21. During this period, they will demonstrate their skills by making different sculptures, by using stones and wood.

‘Bastar’ is an art form, basically meant to convey messages to the masses. In her inaugural address, Kanaka Murty said that the opportunity to personally experience the inner feelings the artistes go through as they give shape to their latent talent, is not otherwise available for the people.

“I am proud to be an Indian. Alva’s Foundation has been doing yeomen service to the society by organizing various Virasats including Shilpa Virasat. Alva’s now glitters like an art paradise. Participation in Virasats gives a fulfilling experience,” said Ashajyoti Rai, president, Aasare Trust.

In January, a camp, ‘Alva’s Varna Jagruti’ by painters will be held, in which 750 artists will come together to draw a painting on a 750-metre long canvas in a single day. This is being done for entering the Limca Book of Records.

‘Alva’s Varna Virasat’ with the participation of 30 famous artists from across the country will be conducted from January 2 to 9, 2010. During ‘Alva’s Virasat’, various programmes by stalwarts in their respective fields, will be presented, which will include Santoor, Jugul Bandi, Odyssey dance, vocal, variety entertainment, Purulia Chao dance drama etc. The ‘Alva’s Virasat’ award will be conferred on Padmavibhushan Dr M Balamuralikrishna this year, at the inaugural function.

Alva’s Education Foundation chairman, Dr Mohan Alva, who presided over the inaugural of ‘Shilpa Virasat’, said that a degree in visual arts will be started in his college under Mangalore University, commencing from the next academic year.

Artist, Ganesh Somayaji, proposed vote of thanks. Rachael Miranda, a student of Alva’s, presented the programme.