’Multicultural Influence: Folk Culture on the Decline,’ rues Ramadas Gowda

Mangalore Today News Network

Photos by Venugopal Hosabettu

Mangalore March 6, 2011: “Sport is an integral part of human life. Folk sports develop our mental faculties, while providing us with recreation,” observed S. Ramadas Gowda, Commandant of KSRP 7th Battalion. He was speaking as the chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony of Sri Bhoothanatheshwara Kreedotsava on Saturday evening at Shasthavu Sri Bhoothanatheshwara Temple, Badaga Yedapadav near Mijar, Mangalore.

 

 

 

Sri Bhoothanatheshwara Kreedotsava village games competition was held at the temple on 12th and 13th February.

India is multicultural and every aspect of our way of life has its own significance and greatness. Only when we preserve this heritage can we become a mature people. In the sweeping wave of globalization, our folk culture has lost more than it has gained. Modernization ushered by the advances in information technology has also contributed to decline of our folk culture. The ruins of Hampi, which once signified the splendour of Vijaynagara empire, should remind us not to lose our way, said Ramadas Gowda and called upon the people to become more aware of the dangers of losing our roots.

Expressing his appreciation of Vijaynath Shetty, the chief co-ordinator of the event, Gowda said “It is important to show greater patronage to the rural sports which improve our physical and mental prowess. Folk culture has all types of games meant for different categories like children, youth, middle aged and senior citizens. By organizing this village sports meet in an exemplary manner Vijaynath Shetty has rejuvenated the folk sports of Tulunadu and given them a new lease of life. Rather than following in others footsteps, he has treaded on his own path and created a new model for society.”

Gowda also acknowledged Shetty for graciously recognizing the services of Karnataka State Reserve Police who silently provide yeomen’s service to society.
The winners in various games categories of 21 competitions conducted during the Kreedotsava were feted with cash prize, medals and certificates by Ramadas Gowda and BJP leader Jagadish Adhikari. On the occasion, Deranna Devadiga, Bajpe, a veteran Yakshagana artiste was honoured.

Chief co-ordinator of the Kreedotsava, Vijaynath Shetty welcomed the gathering, while the games co-ordinator Premnath Shetty read out the winners list. Kadri Navaneeth Shetty compered the programme.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gurukiran Show
The highlight of the evening was the Gurukiran show which followed the prize distribution ceremony. Gurukiran, the famous Kannada singer and music director, who is a Mangalorean by birth, entertained the audience with a spellbinding entertainment show which included popular film songs, stand-up comedy by Mimicry Dayanand and a special guest appearance by cine star Vijay Raghavendra. Chaitra, Aditya and Akanksha Badami too lent their voice and his co-singers and the choreography was provided by the dancers of Excellence Dance Academy and Oxygen dance troupe. Drummer Dev gave a splendid solo performance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Felicitation of Students
Earlier in the day, at 2:00 p.m., a felicitation programme was held to honour students who have excelled in sports and participated or won at the state and national level. This programme was organized jointly by Sri Bhoothanatheshwara Kreedotsava Committee, the DK Zilla Panchayat Department of Public Instruction and District Physical Education Teachers Association. On the occasion 156 students were honoured with certificate, memento and cash award of Rs. 1000/- each. The programme was attended by DK Zilla Panchayat President Shailaja Bhat, Vice President Dhanalaxmi Janardhan, local Zilla Panchayat member Janaradhana Gowda, Yedapadav Grama Panchayat President Lalitha Shetty, Deputy Director of Public Instruction of DK District C. Chame Gowda, District Physical Education Officer M.N. Nayak, District Physical Education Teachers Association President Diwakar Hegde, Secretary K. H. Nayak and Chief co-ordinator of Sri Bhoothanatheshwara Kreedotsava, Mundabettu Vijaynath Shetty.

Kabaddi Tournament:
Inter State Kabaddi and Halli Kabaddi tournaments will be conducted at the Shasthavu Sri Bhoothanatheshwara Temple, Badaga Yedapadav on April 22, 23 and 24. The games will be conducted in both Men and Women categories. Prize Money for the interstate Kabaddi tournament is Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 50,000/- and Rs. 25,000/- respectively. For the Halli Kabaddi tournament, the prize money is Rs. 50,000/-, Rs. 25000/-, Rs. 10,000/- and Rs. 5000/-. Applicants for the Halli Kabaddi tournament should attach address proof showing they are villagers along with the application. Male players have to be compulsorily bare chested and wear only white kachche and turban. Women players have to wear Salwar Kameez. Entry fee for every team is Rs. 100/- Entry forms will be available at the temple premises from March 20th and completed entry forms should be submitted by April 10th. Halli Kabaddi tournament is a floodlight event and will be conducted in league and knockout format. 12 players are compulsory for every team. The playfield will be of dimension 10 metres long and 12.50 metres wide. Mundabettu Vijaynath Shetty, Chief Co-ordinator of the event has appealed to all rural folks to participate in the tournament in maximum numbers.