'Sangama Sambhrama 2016' binds languages, culture, tradition

‘Sangama, Sambhrama- 2016 Samskrithika Samarasya,’ on Wednesday, brought languages, other than Kannada, such as Tulu, Konkani, Beary, Kodava, Arebhashe and Urdu together. An initiative of Kannada and Culture department in association with various academies and authorities, it unveiled melange of cultures and traditions, with people, especially Kodavas, clad in their traditional dresses.

District In-charge Minister M R Seethram kick-started the ceremony at Field Marshal K M Cariappa College Ground. Chairmen and chairpersons of nine academies took part in the inaugural ceremony. However, it was not short of shortcomings, with Women and Child Development Minister Umashree, who holds additional charge of Kannada and Culture ministry, giving it a miss. Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment B Ramanath Rai, who was supposed to inaugurate the book exhibition, also stayed away. Similarly, Mysuru and Kodagu MP Prathap Simha, local MLAs M P Appachu Ranjan and K G Bopaiah, MLC Sunil Subramani also did not turn up.

In his address, coordinator of Kanaka Centre for Research and Studies K T Chikkanna said, “Such is the attitude of people in the cities, that they lead a life of islanders, having scant regards for culture and tradition. The modern world that has brought along with a life of stress, also offers to give solace with various other activities like arts, culture, music and dance.”

Karnataka Sahitya Academy chairperson Malathi Pattanshetty said, “Everybody should develop habit of savouring the essence of culture. If it happens, the programme, that has reached its third year, will be a regular feature. It is also my dream programme.” She said Kodagu holds a distinct place in the state with its unique topography and is known for its culture and tradition, besides hospitality.

State Sangeeth Nritya Academy chairperson Gangamma Keshavmurthy said, “Gamaka still has its hold in Kodagu with people not losing interest in the same. It is a great art and efforts are being made to protect and patronise it.”

Mahadevappa Shambulingappa Shilpi, chairman of Karnataka Shilpakala Academi said, “Unlike the prime minister and the chief minister who are bound by protocol, art can be likened to a river that flows transcending the world. It has no limits and remains a source of inspiration for many.”

Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academi chairman Roy Castelino said, “The state has highest number of academies, giving equal encouragement to languages other than Kannada.” On the absence of elected representatives, Castelino said, “The programme should have been planned in apolitical manner.”

Kodava Sahitya Academy chairman B S Thammaiah said, “The programme was postponed twice with the only intention of bringing all under one roof. However, the elected representatives preferred to skip the programme in the name of attending Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) progress review meeting.”

Beary Sahitya Academy chairman Muhammad Haneef felt the elected representatives should have attended the programme and encouraged the cause, as the invitations were printed as per protocol.”

MLC Veena Achaiah, Karnataka Yakshagana Bayalata Academy chairman Belagallu Veeranna, Tulu Sahitya Academy chairman M Janaki Brahmavara, Arebhashe Sahitya Maththu Samskriti Academy chairman Kolya Girish and joint director of Kannada and Culture department Mallikarjun were present.