Academy to compile profiles of wellknown yakshagana artistes

Addressing a press conference here on Friday, Academy Chairman Kumble Sundar Rao said that the documents including CDs of individual performance and their bio-data will be accumulated and preserved by the Academy for future generation. Similarly, a book containing details about 2,000 Yakshagana artistes of the region will also be published by the Academy, he added.

Demands

Rao said that the government should recognise Yakshagana as a ‘Distinctive Art of the State’.

“Yakshagana should be included in the curriculum of High School Examination Board in the Art category. Similarly, Yakshagana should also be taught in Primary and High School classes,” he urged.

Rao said that a representation of Yakshagana artistes and people’s representatives met Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and Primary and Secondary Education Minister Vishweswara Hegde Kageri, recently, to urge them to fulfil the demands of Academy.

He said that a request was made for an increase in the sanctions to the Academy. A demand was also made for the institution of annual awards in the name of eminent Yakshagana artiste of yesteryears Parthisubba. An award comprising Rs one lakh each should be presented to talented Yakshagana artistes in the region, he added. Rao said that the Chief Minister has responded positively to all demands. An office will be set up in Udupi for the Academy, he added. Academy Members Dr Sundar Kenaje, Chandrashekhar Shetty and Murali Kadekkar were present at the press meet.