mangalore today

Tribal culture, traditions must be encouraged


Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Mar 29, 2018: Speaking after inaugurating the one-day seminar on the birth centenary celebrations of Guruva Koraga (102), as organised by Kannada and Culture Department, in association with Karnataka Folk Academy, Bengaluru, Regional Resource Centre and Manipal Academy of Higher Education.  Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)  pro chancellor Dr H S Ballal has said that  centenarian  Guruva Koraga is an inspiration to all youths.

 

Tribal culture...


Ballal lamented that it is disheartening to observe that even after 70 years of independence, the country is not able to bring the tribal communities into the mainstream of the society.  Guruva Koraga is a role model who even at this age, carries 15 kilograms of Dollu (drum) and beats it nonstop for two hours, he added.

Karnataka Folk Academy, Bengaluru president B Takappa Kannuru said that the society has failed to include the tribal communities in the mainstream, which has still remained the undiscovered mystery of cultural treasure. He said the society should be held responsible for the present scenario wherein the tribes are deprived of many facilities and opportunities. He said that tribals should be encouraged and the rich treasure of their cultural and traditional practices should be introduced to the outside world. He recalled that long back he had been to Russia and there, around 10 drum beaters from across the world were honoured.

He said Koraga, one of the tribal communities has its own history, tradition, culture and language. All should strive to protect the culture and tradition of the tribal community members. In spite of scholars conducting a series of studies on the Koraga community, the community is still backward. “The research should not only highlight the problems, but also urge the society to stop discrimination against Koragas and encourage the community members to come into the mainstream of the society,” he said.

Ambalpady Temple Dharmadarshi Dr N B Vijaya Ballal said a suitable price should be offered for the artifacts produced by the tribal community members, thereby making the community self-reliant.

The seminar was held under the chairmanship of the Hampi University retired vice-chancellor Dr H C Borolingaiah. A demonstration and documentation of the occupation and culture of Koraga community was also held.