Unique Art and Culture of Karnataka highlighted in the UK

Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence, in association with The Bhavan- London hosted Kaustubham Karnatakam which highlighted Yakshagana, Dollu Kunitha, Veeragase, and Kamsale dances. Some of these are hardly known or seen in the UK among wider audiences. Melodious lyrical contributions in classical and folk genres were presented by talented and award-winning singers from British Kannada Diaspora. It is the first program of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav series in the UK. Opening words were given by Dr. Nandakumara, Executive Director of The Bhavan. He began his rendition quoting from Bhagavata and continued speaking on Purandara Dasa compositions. The cultural program began with an invocation by Sneha Tayur who sang Purandara Dasa composition. Yakshagana, a 500-year-old traditional Indian Theatre art form was presented by Yogindra Maravante. Raghavendra Gama spoke briefly on Dollu Kunitha, followed by a performance by their Anjaneya Kala Dollina Sangha from Gama- Karnataka. Basavaraj Harlapur, joined by members of his team, presented on Veeragase, followed by a performance by their Veerabhadreshwara Purvantara Janapada Kala Mela from Gadag, Karnataka. Harsha Rani spoke on Kamsale while the dance was presented by young learners Sharad Shrinivas and Prateek Deshpande. Ganapati Bhat spoke on the importance of showcasing unseen art forms and commended the organisers and performers for raising awareness among people. Vote of Thanks was rendered by Dr Ragasudha Vinjamuri, in which she has outlined individual as well as collective responsibility of people and organisations to pass the baton to the young. The program was co-hosted by Radhika Joshi and artist coordination in India was done by Shobha Sagar, while VIVIDLIPI streamed it on YouTube.