The focus of the folk studies and research should be on the indigenous or ‘desi’ knowledge as they hold the key for finding solutions for many of the complex problems and issues of the contemporary world, Former Vice Chancellor and visiting faculty at the University of Wurzburg in Germany, Prof. B.A. Vivek Rai has said.
He was delivering the convocation address at the first convocation of Karnataka Folklore University, said to be first such university in the country which is dedicated to study of folklore at Gotagodi in Shiggaon taluk in Haveri district on Tuesday.
Expressing concern over the vanishing handicrafts and traditional farm methods because of the onslaught of globalisation and liberalisation, Prof. Vivek Rai said that the neglect of the traditional knowledge and the cooperative principles of the local economy had almost led the localites to slavery. “There is a dire need for revival of ‘give and take’ life style which has its roots in the local economy and ‘desi’ knowledge”, he said.
Highlighting the need for preserving g the folk art forms, Prof. Rai said that there was need for taking the art forms out of the shackles of the caste system. “And for that to happen there is need to set up ‘Janapada Rangayana’ (Folk Repertory) on the lines of Rangayana in the state by establishing its regional centres and working in association with folklore university”, he said.
He also emphasised the need for chalking out programmes focussing on tribal communities and their native knowledge. On the diminishing opportunities for the folklore graduates and postgraduates coming out of universities, Prof Rai said that there was need for the government to give special impetus to folklore studies and create opportunities for the students who had completed courses in folklore and have a good understanding of native knowledge.
Lauding the initiatives taken by the folklore university, he wanted the university to further intensify the process of documentation and digitalisation of the folk art forms and traditions as it would be the foundation for all subsequent works. “Digitalisation and documentation should be a part of the heart of the university. At a time when the concept of ‘global village’ is being popularised, the folklore university should work towards popularising the concept of ‘village itself is world’ and expand its activities to global level”, he said.
Welcoming the gathering Vice Chancellor of Karnataka Folklore University Prof. Ambalike Hiriyanna briefed about the activities of the fledgling university and its achievements so far. Registrar D.B. Naik, Registrar Evaluation S.C. Ramesh, Dean Premkumar, syndicate and academic council members were present.
Honorary doctorate
Earlier Governor of Karnataka Vajubhai R. Vala conferred the honorary doctoral degrees on writer and folklore scholar along Go.Ru. Channabasappa popularly known as Go.Ru.Cha., folklore expert Kyatanahalli Ramanna and folk artist Laxmibai Savanna Neelappanavar and felicitated them.
He also conferred the M.Phil degrees on two research students, awarded MBA degree in Rural and Tribal Business Management to nine students and M.A. in Folklore and Folk Science to six students. While Sannaiah G.S. secured first rank in M.A in Folk Science, Savitri Modi and Akkamahadevi Hirmath were awarded gold medals in M.A. Folklore and MBA respectively.
