Writer Amrut Someshwar believed in exploring various possibilities in the art form of Yakshagana, said B.A. Viveka Rai, former Vice-Chancellor of Hampi Kannada University, on Saturday.
He was speaking after presenting the Tallur Kanaka – Annayya Shetty Award to Mr. Someshwar at a function organised by the Yakshagana Kalaranga, here.
Prof. Rai said that Mr. Someshwar always thought of exploring possibilities such as Makkala (children’s) Yakshagana, Mahila (women’s) Yakshagana and Tulu Yakshagana. He even thought of a “Tulu thittu” – Tulu school of Yakshagana. Besides writing books on Yakshagana, he has also written on other topics. His contribution to the field of literature and culture were invaluable, Prof. Rai said.
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Yakshagana is an integral part of the culture of the coastal region. Many people had better command over Kannada language and good grasp of epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata because of Yakshagana, Prof. Rai said.
Scholar Prabhakar Joshi, said that Mr. Somashewar was a silent rebel and a reformist, who wanted changes. His literary output was prodigious, but he had not got the kind of recognition that he deserved, he said.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Someshwar said that he was delighted at receiving the award.
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Kumble Sundar Rao, former Chairman of Karnataka Yakshagana Bayalata Academy, Tallur Shivaram Shetty, president of Yakshagana Kalaranga, and Gopal C. Bangera, vice-president of Malpe PU College Betterment Committee, were among those present.