Media Release

Udupi, Aug 17: The official launch of the course ‘Discerning India: Living Cultures of Tulunadu will take place on Thursday, August 18 in front of EDU building Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal at 4.30 pm. This will be flagged off by Dr Ranjan Pai, chairman of Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG), pro chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Educaiton (MAHE), Dr H S Ballal, vice chancellor, Lt Gen Dr M D Venkatesh and the registrar Dr Narayana Sabhahit.

The course is an extension of efforts made by MAHE to highlight the knowledge systems of local community to the larger world. It is designed and offered by the Centre for Intercultural Studies and Dialogue (CISD), MAHE. The event will be marked by a special performance of ‘Tiger Dance (Pili Vesha) by Ashok Kadubettu and Team, a well-known Tiger Dance Performers of Udupi.

Details about the course

Discerning India: Living Cultures of Tulunadu is a self-paced online course that introduces the participants to the essence of the region. The course comprises the following units: Theatre and Performance: Yakshagana; Community and Sports: Kambala; Worship Traditions: Bhutaradhane; Nagaradhane.

The broader idea of this course is to nurture critical thinking and facilitate dialogue on different aspects of cultures. There are culture specific reasons and meanings for practices and activities that are an integral part of people’s lives. The course opens a space for analysis and reflections on these values. This course is designed for all those who are interested in exploring new cultures and understanding diversity of living. This is a two- credit online certificate course delivered in English and powered by the Directorate of Online Education, MAHE. It includes video documentaries, series of video lectures, readings and quizzes.