Striking the right rhythm
The Taulava land holds a distinct place when it comes to culture, folk art and tradition. There are many organisations, which have taken birth from time to time to preserve our vanishing art forms but there are not many organisations which have taken birth to use these art forms to bring social change.
‘Tharikita Kala Kammata’ is one such organisation which has been doing yeoman service at the grassroots level to bring about social reformation using the rich art forms and traditions of not just the tulunadu but even beyond.
Started in 2002 by social activists Vani Perody and Uday Kumar Jyotigudde ‘Tharikita’ is not a NGO but is a platform for spreading awareness on various issues suitable at given juncture of time.
Speaking to City Herald, founder trustee Vani Perody said that the organisation is as distinct as its name. “We never wanted this organisation to be affiliated to any religion or section or any cause. Hence we thought that the name should resemble the stand of the organization. Tharikita is a beat of the Tabla. It is a rhythm, it is neutral yet inspiring.
Hence the name,” says Vani. Endorsing her view Uday says that Tharikita has found its base in villages where they have been doing continuous programmes to spread awareness using art forms.The organisation’s successful programme ‘Thingala Erulu’ has been a much talked about event. It is held on third Sunday of every month. So far the organisation has put up 81 such programmes wherein not just the local art forms (Pardana to cultural programmes of various religion and languages) are performed but also art forms from other regions of the state are also presented to the people.
“This programme has become a sort of cultural exchange programme where the villagers have not just been able to see their own culture but also got an opportunity to get glimpses of other culture,” said Uday.Tharikita has been pooling in youth into their events.
A team of youth has been trained in theatrics and so far the team has gone places.
Another venture of the organisation called ‘Simpani’ magazine has been targeting the children. So far the organisation has brought out 15 editions of Simpani, where very important chapters for children have been presented in more creative manner rather than being sloganistic. Tharikita has been promoting Yakshagana for women and already five to six girls have already performed exceptionally well. The prasanga named ‘Madhura Manikya’ dealing with various issues pertaining to women have been taken well by the audience, says Vani. Tharikita has joined hands with Breakthrough organisation to fight against domestic violence and various other issues pertaining to women and in November Tharikita’s theatre team will stage street plays on issues pertaining to women in Tumkur and Bangalore. Tharikita in future aims to take Simpani to state level, explore more into Yakshagana and also wants to set up a resource centre for art in Thumbe, the village where it has its hold.
