Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence, in association with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan- London organised Kaustubham Karnatakam virtually which spotlighted distinct classical and folk-art formsof Karnataka, including Yakshagana, Dollu Kunitha, Veeragase and Kamsale dances. Songs of key saints and composers were presented on the occasion. The visual and aural feast was presented by talented and award-winning artists from British Kannada Diaspora and artistes from India. This program also commences marking of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav series in the UK.
Dr Nandakumara of The Bhavan rendered opening words on the occasion. He began with reciting an excerpt from Bhagavata and spoke on Purandara Dasa compositions. He also rendered appreciation for the organisers for bringing the diverse artson one platform audience consumption. Invocation by Sneha Tayur marked the beginning of cultural program. She rendered Purandara Dasa Kruti. Yakshagana, a 500-year-old traditional Indian Theatre art form was presented by Yogindra Maravante. Radhika Joshi has anchored the presentations. Raghavendra Gama joined on behalf of Anjaneya Kala Dollina Sangha from Gama- Karnataka and spoke on Dollu Kunitha. An exclusive piece recorded for this occasion was played thereafter. Basavaraj Harlapur spoke on Veeragase on behalf of Veerabhadreshwara Purvantara Janapada Kala Mela from Gadag, Karnataka, which was followed by a performance. Harsha Rani spoke on Kamsale while the dance was presented by Sharad Shrinivas and Prateek Deshpande.
Amitha Ravikirana sang a foot-tapping folklore, Pooja Tayur sang Helavanakatte Giriyamma’s composition, and Sumana Dhruva sang Gopala Dasa’s composition, which was also the concluding presentation of the cultural program. Ganapati Bhat spoke on the importance of showcasing unseen art forms and commended the organisers and performers for raising awareness to wider audiences.
Dr Ragasudha Vinjamuri, Founder of Sanskruti Centre has presented Vote of Thanks and thanked everyone involved, including Shobha Sagar for artist coordination in India, VIVIDLIPI for streaming the event on YouTube, Bhavan for the support.
During the entire year of 2020, Sanskruti Centre has been hosting webinars that exclusively highlighted the cultural diversity of India, each program spotlighting each region of the country such as Ladakh, Nagaland, Mithila, Sindhi community and Odisha with their distinct flavour of dance, music, cuisine, language and literature, and handlooms.
Video is available to watch at https://www.facebook.com/Sanskruti100/videos/868186654045014
Readers like you, make ESHADOOT work possible. We need your support to deliver quality and positive news about India and Indian diaspora - and to keep it open for everyone. Your support is essential to continue our efforts. Every contribution, however big or small, is so valuable for our future.
Great Culture
Very nice initiative of our vast heritage of music and dance