There is a need to preserve the genuine tradition of folk arts, opined former vice chancellor A Murigeppa.

Speaking during the inaugural function of Janapara literary convention organised by Janapara Sahitya Vedike and Krantikari Samskritika Vedike at Dr B R Ambedkar Bhavan in Chikkamagaluru on Monday, he said that while preserving folk arts for the next generation, it is very important to trace the origin of the art forms.

"Many folk arts have undergone tremendous changes and have ended up losing its original form," he said and stated that there is a need to build an authentic study pattern for folklore.

"The huge archives of folklore, which have been passed down generations through oral tradition, should be recorded and preserved before it gets extinct," he added.

IDSG College assistant professor Pushpa Bharati opined that the literature which carries the concerns of people from the grassroots level will be remembered for long. Media has a significant role to play in preserving folk art and literature.

Intellectual R Mansaiah also spoke on the occasion.