Stall on folk literature beckons most

Y V Srinivas and his son were strolling around  at the Expo.One of the stalls by Karnataka Folk University, Haveri, grabbed his attention. Impressed by the large collection, he picked a book on Lavani.

“Lavani folk songs and dance are on the verge of extinction. We hardly find anyone performing Lavani these days,” he said. The stall saw the highest number of students and parents.

The five-year-old university boasts of publishing 48 titles on various folk subjects, including folk art, traditions, songs, dance, poetry, agriculture, medicine, etc.

“We have published encyclopedias on traditional agriculture and general folk. At least 50 other works are in the pipeline,” said Mukesh H V, university faculty.

“There is an urgent need to preserve our heritage. Initiatives taken up by the universities can be brought to light at the education expos to reach the masses,” Mukesh added.