Alvas Virasat 2010, the cultural carnival of Indian art and folklore begins

Alvas Virasat 2010, the cultural carnival of Indian art and folklore begins

Mangalore Today News Network

Moodbidri, Jan 6: Moodbidri is known as the seat of Jainism in south India. It is also well known for Alva’s Virasat, an annual cultural extravaganza since many years. Alva’s Education foundation has been spearheading a revolution in showcasing Indian art and culture for over a decade. Every year, in January Alva’s Education Foundation bring together artists of national and international fame in various form of art to Moodabidri. It is one of the few occasions the people of South Karnataka looking forward to be a part of the mega event.

B S Yeddyurappa, the chief minister of Karnataka, inaugurated Alva’s Virasath 2010, the mega national-level cultural festival, which is being staged at Shobha Vana Mijar in Moodubidri. In his inaugural speech, the chief minister lauded the organizational brilliance of Dr. Mohan Alva and Dr. Veerendra Hegde. He said that such cultural festivals help foster Indian culture. He said that Indian art and culture will flourish only with the support of personalities like Mr. Alva and heggade. Cultural festivals like Virasat is the need of the hour to make the young generation realize the value and ethose of our country. It is also a reminder of what we are missing in the modern world.

The chief minister also said that culture gives a person his/her identify. Moodubidri attracts a lot of attention with momentous cultural programmes organized now and then. The state government is very keen in encouraging activities that foster culture and enhance awareness of the heritage. The Government has plans to organize heritage festivals all over the state. The government has already taken up mega project for the development of Hampi. The heritage of the Vijayanagar has a history of more than 5 centuries. Preparations for Hampi Utsav are going on. In addition, the government is planning to organize a number of folk festivals, this year he added.

He urged young people to take up the responsibility of leading the country toward progress at the same time should forget the heritage. He appealed young people to use their talents for the development of their country.

Dr. M Mohan Alva felicitated Padmavibhushan Dr. Mangala Palli Balamurali Krishna with a certificate, shawl, fruits, garland, cash, and a memento. He also made the welcome speech and delivered the key-note address. Nagesh K S expressed gratitude. Dr. Veerendra Hegde presided over the programme.

Dr. S Ramananda Shetty, the vice chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi Health Science University, Bangalore and Dr. B R Shetty, the director of the New Medical Centre in Abhu Dhabhi were the chief guests of the occasion. MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLA of Moodubidri Abhay Kumar Jain, former minister of Karnataka government Amaranatha Shetty, and MLA of Mangalore Yogish Bhat were some of the dignitaries on the dais.

The inaugural function was followed by music and cultural extravaganza by distinguished artists.