“Culture reflects lifestyle. It speaks about the life and nature. Hence culture is ‘Jeevana Dharma’ for us,” said Mangalore MLA N Yogish Bhat.
Presiding over the inaugural programme of  ‘Janapada Kala Mela’ at Ravindra Kala Mantap, University College here on Sunday, Mr Bhat said that Janapada or the folk arts were the way of life and source of relaxation for our ancestors. With modernisation, this rich heritage has contracted to the extent of being performed by only a few troupes.
“Today these folk arts are practiced by the poor and the backward classes. Though not in large numbers it is practiced symbollically and hence still breathes alive with certain communities,” he added.
He said that while Tsunami hit Chennai claiming several lives, it did not claim any life in Andaman Nicobar Island. The reason is that the tribal had learnt the change in behaviours of the animals there and sensed a natural calamity and migrated to safe hillocks. Hence, he said that ancient knowledge and practices are powerful from modern techniques.
Earlier, delivering the inaugural address, Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor Prof K M Kaveriappa said that our culture is our asset and it needs to be saved. “Culture can be saved in many ways. It can either be recorded and documented or can be written. But either of this is going to be museum piece. Hence, the best and the original way to save our culture is to practice it in its original charm,” he added.
Chief guest of the programme, Ullal MLA U T Khader said that our culture is threatened by modernisation and it is time to save the rich culture that has given India a distinct place and reverence in the world. “Years ago there was one East India Company that we fought against. But today there are hundreds of such East India Companies in our country affecting our culture,” he said and added that folk arts have the power to revive and reform the society and hence have a crucial role to play in present times.
During the programme, certificates were distributed to various troupes practicing folk art.
Later folk art forms such as Karangolu Voddanalike by Nalipu Janapada Kalathanda Balepuni, Pilipanji Kunitha, Koraga Kunitha, Atikalanja by Heccharu Angara and troupe Belthangady, Madirakunitha, Bidiru Chende Vadana by Nonaiah and troupe Bantwal, Dudi Kunitha were performed.
Dakhina Kannada Zilla Panchayat President Sushma Janardhan, district Kannada Sahithya Parishat President S Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, Tulu Sahithya Academy former president Vaman Nandavar and others were present.