'Particpation of women in folk dismal'

But, women have proven time and again that they can excel in any form of art, whether it is performing or non-performing one. This is the transformation witnessed among women during the years, she added.

Speaking after inaugurating the cultural festival at the ‘desi utsava’ organised by Hassan district women’s writers association and Karnataka Folk Parishat at Kalabhavan in Hassan on Sunday, she said that folk art has been depicting that women have freedom of speech based on various folk plays, but the study proves that women were not given enough freedom to take decisions in the male dominated society.

 They were confined to four walls of their homes and was not allowed to involve in any extra curricular activities.

Though today’s women is competing in almost all the fields their participation in the folk art is minimal, she opined.

Assistant Commissioner Karigowda who inaugurated the programme said many women writers have identified themselves as progressive writers in public sphere; but seem to have forgotten to follow the same when it comes to their personal opinions, he questioned.

Peace and harmony prevails in the family that gives total freedom to women, and the women writers play a major role in creating awareness among women in moulding their lives, he added.

Earlier, Karigowda inaugurated the programme by performing puja to heaps of paddy and ragi. The guests for the programme were taken to the dais in a procession accompanied by the folk troupes performing Veeragase dance.

The valedictory programme was held in the evening. Writer Banu Mushtaq, who spoke on the occasion said that there are several organisations that support and encourage women.

But the folk art has turned into a business and the elected representatives themselves are responsible for this. Steps should be taken to organise such desi festivals to protect the folk art from being extinct, she said.

Usha Latha of Akashvani was the chief guest. Arakalgud Citizen’s Forum president Yoga Ramesh, Susheela Somashekar, Tejashree and others were present.