Govt urged to set up academy for Sugama Sangeeta

The 14th state-level Sugama Sangeeta Sammelana president Y K Muddukrishna on Saturday urged the government to set up a separate academy for Sugama Sangeeta.

Muddukrishna was addressing the gathering during the inaugural ceremony of the Sammelana at Sir M  Visvesvaraya Stadium here. The state government had announced setting up of academy in the previous Budget, he recalled.

He said, “The government should provide a stage for Kannada artistes during cultural programmes instead of roping in artistes of other languages.” He demanded the government to develop Kikkeri, the birth place of poet K S Narasimhaswamy, as a tourist spot and form a separate authority to look after the place. He also urged the government to re-open MySugar factory for the welfare of the farmers.

Muddukrishna expressed displeasure over the absence of Kannada and Culture Minister Umashree and district in-charge minister M Krishnappa. He said, “It is the duty of the ministers to be present on such occasions.” MP C S Puttaraju, who inaugurated the event said, it is high-time, we encourage artistes like singers.

Former president of the Sammelana Gartikere Raganna, MLC K T Srikante-gowda and singer Shivamogga Subbanna were present. ‘Bhavashree’ award was conferred on artiste S Mallanna.