Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Jun 10: To keep cherishing memories of their grandfather and his contribution to the field of Yakshagana, granddaughters of Yakshagana writer late Dr N Narayana Shetty Shimanthoor, prepared attractive wooden arts in the name 'Naarudaru' during the lockdown. Now, this wooden art is attracting a good demand.
Dr Narayana Shetty has written a Yakshagana prosody Shri Kateelu Kshetra Mahatme when he was in Class 7.
Mulki Shimanthoor Dr Narayana Shetty's granddaughters, Thanvi, an engineer by profession working in Bengaluru, Sannidhi who is pursuing her BCom from Aloysius College in the city, and Shrinidhi a student of architecture at RV College, Bengaluru have joined hands to prepare these wooden arts.
During the lockdown, when they visited the farms, agriculture fields they noticed different types of trees. When they started to discuss, they perceived the idea to prepare wooden arts.
Though they do not have experience, they purchased wooden pieces from the wooden mill after taking suggestions from their family members. After purchasing wooden pieces of two different trees, along with help of their brothers Siddamsh and Siddarth, the women prepared different types of wooden art. Their products include key holders, name boards, and three different dream catchers. As they posted photos of their products on the social media platform Instagram, they received appreciation and good demand for their products.
In two months, they have prepared 10 products from the wooden pieces, of which, five have been already sold out. They have five orders on their hand and will prepare the pieces as per the demand of the customer.
"Our grandfather used to tell stories of how women can be self-reliant. We should be role model for others by earning a good name. When we work unitedly, there will be a success. Our grandfather has several achievements to his name and he was an inspiration to all. We wanted to do something along the lines of his principles. So, we all gathered during the lockdown. We named products 'Naarudaru' because our grandfather's parents used to call him 'Naaru'. The demand for products is our success. It will also boost our confidence to prepare more such products," says Shrinidhi.
"As of now, products have been posted on Instagram, and the products will be delivered through courier service," she added.
Dr Narayana Shetty was a straightforward person and walked the path of righteousness. He openly opposed injustice. Several people have lauded Dr Narayana Shetty for his Yakshagana prosody Shri Kateelu Kshetra Mahatme. He used to teach in Shimanthooru school. He has also received a doctorate from Hampi University.
Dr Narayana Shetty has not only given a contribution to the field of Yakshagana but also to the Kannada literature. He had abundant knowledge in Yakshagana and was a mentor to several Yakshagana prosody writers and artistes. After retiring as a school teacher, he was the first member of Karnataka Yakshagana Bayalata Academy. He also held the post as the president of DK District Sahitya Sammelana.