Moodbidri: Alvas Virasat National Cultural Extravaganza Begins
Pics: Savitha B R
Daijiworld Media Network – Moodbidri (PS/SP)
Moodbidri, Jan 12: In the present-day world, the efforts being made at various places and forums across the country to divide the people on various lines, are being countered by music, art and literature, which have been working tirelessly to unite the people and the nation, opined litterateur and cine director, Nagatihalli Chandrashekar.
He was speaking after inaugurating ‘Alvas Virasat’, a six-day national cultural festival, which has been an annual feature here, being organized at Shobhavana Mijar near here on Tuesday January 11.
Even though convert conspiracies to divide the people on the lines of caste, creed and religion, are being hatched clandestinely, art, music, and literature have been contributing towards retaining and strengthening harmonious bond among all classes of people through some constructive works, he added. He strongly felt that there is dire need to organize this kind of programmes frequently and at all places.
“Music and art are being transformed into commercial commodities in cities. This is not acceptable. They have the capacity to fusion minds and hearts of the human beings, transcending all barriers,” he asserted. He lauded the efforts being made by Dr Mohan Alva to organize this event with passion for art.
“If richness of culture wanes, our land will face hardships. Let us strive to ensure that this does not happen,” he said.
The 19th year Alvas Virasat was kicked off at Mijar Shobhavana amidst the reverberating sounds of Chande and the blowing of horns and trumpets. Organizer of the festival, Dr M Mohan Alva, himself was seen extending a warm welcome to the guests personally, with all humility and pleasant manners, which have been his hallmark. Padma Bhushan Dr K J Yesudas, who was brought to the dais in a palanquin, accompanied by a procession, impressed the gathering.
Initially, Yesudas was hesitant to sit in the decorated palanquin. After a fervent request was made by Dr Alva, he agreed to sit in the palanquin. Panchavadya, Koraga’s Dolu, and Kerala Chande contributed to the grandness of the procession. Women welcomed the music legend by sprinkling rose water.
Award:
On this occasion, renowned Carnatic music legend and playback singer, Yesudas, was feted by conferring the ‘Virasat Award-2011’ award. Speaking on the occasion, Yesudas stressed on the role the students can play to imbibe and conserve the essence of Indian culture and traditions. He then enthralled the audience by singing his popular devotional song, ‘Swami Ayyappa.. Sharanam Ayyappa’, which received a huge round of applause.
Mangalore University vice chancellor, Prof T C Shivashankara Murthy, Century Builders owner, Dayanand Pai, MLA, Abhayachandra Jain, and former minister, K Amarnath Shetty, participated as chief guests.
Nitte Education Trust president, N Vinay Hegde, presided over the programme. Alvas Foundation chairman, Dr M Mohan Alva, and his father, Anand Alva, were present at the dais.
Later, a dance programme, ‘Rama Katha Vismaya’ was presented, in which Kathak dancing duo, Nirupama and Rajendra of Abhinava Dance Troupe, Bangalore, came up with an awe-inspiring performance.
Students of Alva’s College sang ‘Arati’ songs, followed by a dance performance by Bhairavi
Dance Group from Udupi.
As many as 10,000 people, who had come from all over the nation to be part of the festival, added to the grandeur of the colourful evening.
Dr Mohan Alva welcomed the gathering. Prof Venkatakrishna proposed vote of thanks. Lecturer, Deepa Kothari, compered the programme.