WORSHIPPING ART IS THE WORSHIP OF GOD SHIVA: SHENI SHYAM BHAT

Mumbai, Sept. 07: “An artist is a great man and art is greater than him. Yakshagana is the best one among them. Vasudeva Shetty Marnad is a talented artist who brings up this art. He is a great artist who makes the role lively. The entire family is an artistic family. Mohan Marnad, Vasudeva Marnad and Surendra Marnad are the talented icons of art theatre. Art can’t be acquired just by practising; it is an in-born talent. When the role of an artist reaches the audience, it receives the blessings of Lord Shiva. Hence, art is the pooja offered to Lord Shiva. People can speak many things about art. Attaining greater achievements is the main thing here and Jaya Suvarna is such a great achiever”, said the senior Yakshagana artist Sheni Shyam Bhat.

Mr. Shyam Bhat spoke these words while presenting the annual Yakshagana Award-2016 to Vasudeva Shetty Marnad, the renowned Yakshagana artist. The award has been presented by Jaya C Suvarna in memory of his mother Late Achu C Suvarna in a function arranged by Shri Gurunarayana Yakshagana Mandali run by Billawara Association Mumbai at Shri Narayana Guru auditorium of Billawara Bhavana at Santacruz (E) on Saturday evening.

The President of the association – Mr. Nithyananda D Kotian presided over the function. Mr. Jaya C Suvarna, the sponsor of the award and the President of Rashtriya Billawara Maha Mandala presented Rs.25000/- cash, felicitation certificate, award board, ‘Yakshagana Kala Prashasthi-2016’ to Vasudeva Marnad.

Jaya Suvarna said, “Our association has been providing art services as per the wish of Brahmashri Narayana Guru and has been leading with the love, trust and encouragement of artists and art fans. During distress period also, this Mandali has been supported by the association. It’s a great pride that this has been recognized by the unity of all the artists”.

The honorary guest - Mr. Surendrakumar Hegde, the President of Kannadiga Kalavidhara Parishat Maharashtra said, “Yakshagana is a creative art. It gives global knowledge. It’s highly commendable that being an out-State Mandali, with the help of Billawara Association Mumbai, it has been encouraging the artists”.

“Jaya Suvarna has been providing great services to mother art and makes good achievements possible in Yakshagana. Billawara association and its associate Shri Gurunaraya Yakshagana Mandali are secular organisations. I am the first performer of this Mandali and I have the privilege of registering the Mandali. Person having egotism doesn’t have an opportunity here”, said H.B. L Rao, the senior Yakshagana Co-ordinator.

Vasudeva Marnad said, “I have been providing services in this Mandali since 35 years. The co-operation of all artists of the Mela and the co-ordinators are the reasons for this great honor. I offer this honor to Bagavata Late Vittala Dhoran”.

In the presidential address, Nithyananda Kotian said, “The cultural samiti of the association has always been encouraging art and culture. Our object is to motivate artists and we have been following it expediently and efficiently. Presenting Yakshagana award to Vasudeva Marnad this time is the honor offered to young artists”.

Mrs. Prathibha Vasudeva Marnad, Master Medamsh V Marnad and Master Shouresh V Marnad family, Mohan Marnad, Surendra Marnad, Vice Presidents of the association – Shankar D Poojary, Bhaskar V Bangera, Dr. U. Dananjay Kumar, Hon. Chief Treasurer Mahesh C Karkala, Executive President of Women’s Wing – Shakunthala K Kotian, leader of Yuvabhyudaya Sub-Committee – Nilesh Poojary Palimar were present on the dais.

The Executive President of Cultural Sub-Committee – Dayananda R Poojary welcomed the gathering. Honorary Chief Secretary of the association – Dharmapal G Anchan presented the introductory speech. Editor of “Akshaya” magazine – Dr. Eshwara Alevoor introduced the guests. Asst. Editor – Harish K Hejamady introduced the award winners and presented the programme. The Secretary of Cultrual Sub-Committee – Ashok K Kukyan Sasihitlu proposed the vote of thanks. As a part of cultural programme, Shri Gurunarayana Yakshagana Mandali presented the yakshagana “Veeramani Kalaga”.