“The ancient art of the Indian culture is now on the verge of extinction. Mother tongue and culture should not be forgotten amidst infatuation for other languages. There is a dire need to preserve folk arts like Karadi Majalu, Hulivesha, Yalakki Pada and such other forms,” the Block Education Officer said.

He was speaking after bestowing awards on artistes at the district-level Natakotsava held in Vaanarashi village of the taluk on Thursday.

District Kannada Sahitya Parishat president K Prahlada Rao, who inaugurated the programme lamented that theatre art is vanishing with the onslaught of cinema and television. All attempts should be made to preserve the rich heritage of folk art, an integral part of the Indian culture for the future generation, he said.

He opined that rural people need encouragement to preserve the folk art and culture for the future generation.

Gram Panchayat member V Balakrishna Reddy, members Nagaraj, Venkatamma, Erappa and others were present on the occasion.

Neglected

The state unit president of Bharatiya Dalita Sene, Narayanaswamy, lamented that the present day generation has neglected the folk arts.

Speaking after inaugurating “Sourabha” programme at Shani Mahatma Temple situated on Antaragange road in the City recently, Narayanaswamy said that the days of singing folk songs with gaiety have become a part of the history.

Karnataka Tipu Secular sena state president Syed Asifulla, retired police officer Venkataramaiah and others were present on the occasion.

 The programme was organised by Kannada and Culture Department and Kolar District Janaseva Samithi, jointly.