National folklore academy needed to document traditions, says VC

Centre urged to record social customs, religions for posterity

Karnataka Central University, Kalaburagi Vice Chancellor Prof H M Mahadevaiah has emphasised on the need to convince the central government to press for a folklore survey of India or a National Folklore Academy.

He inaugurated a seminar on folklore organised by SVP Kannada Study Centre, Mangalore University, in association with Folklore Society of South Indian Languages (FOSSILS), Thiruvanantapuram at Mangalagangothri on Thursday.

Mahadevaiah felt that there was a need to give more depth to studies related to folklore. He said establishment of a national institution for folklore would serve the purpose. He said a draft for the same has been prepared and discussions have been held with central government’s culture ministry.

He said indigenous scientific knowledge should be scientifically recorded. He further said that Central University has taken an initiative by opening music, fine arts, folk arts and tribal studies department in Central University.

Folklore Society of South Indian Languages (FOSSILS) has been striving towards research and documentation of folklore in southern India. FOSSILS has also planned several projects towards research of folklore including publication of a directory of folk artistes of South India and translation of folk stories of south India into English.

The 24th National Convention of FOSSILS will be held at Gandhi Gram Rural University in Dindigul in Tamil Nadu on February 23 and 24. He said next year, the convention would be held in Karnataka but the hosting university is yet to be chosen.

Mahadevaiah said that Karnataka, with the publication of more than 2,000 folk related books, a maximum among all southern states, holds a remarkable position in folklore study and publication.

Mangalore University Kannada department Professor Abhaya Kumar said that India is a hub of folklore and it is folklore that contains all elements of mainstream literature.

Mangalore University Registrar Prof K M Lokesh presided over the programme. Prof Rajashree was also present.

The seminar included sessions on folklore and mass media, traditional food practices and animal folk.