HUBLI: In an attempt to popularise Carnatic music in north India, the Karnataka Sangeet Nritya Academy has drawn up plans to organise programmes of musicians belonging to Carnatic tradition with the help of associations there.

Addressing presspersons here on Tuesday, Rajashekhar Mansur, president of the academy, said the academy conducted a two-day programme, Karnataka Sangeet Yatre, in Pune in October last.

The next programme on similar lines will be conducted in Mumbai with the association of the Karnataka Sangha there.

The academy will conduct programmes in other States wherever the local associations extend help, he said.

Prof. Mansur said although Carnatic music has a long tradition and has a large following in South India, it is yet to reach the people of North India.

The academy's attempt is to bridge this gap, he said. Expressing the inability of the academy to conduct such programmes on its own in other States due to funds crunch, he said the academy has to depend on local organisations for conducting the programme.

Prof. Mansur stressed the need for conducting cultural exchange programmes through the Kendra Sangeet Nritya Academy.

Prof. Mansur regretted that cultural exchange, which ought to have taken place among the States, is not happening as the Kendra Academy and the State academies are working independently.

And also there is no one representing the State academies in the Kendra Sangeet Nritya Academy, he said.

Grants

Prof. Mansur said the academy is in need of funds to carry out its programmes.

"We have sought financial assistance of Rs. 25 lakhs per annum and the State Government has promised that it will consider the request," he said.

Music, dance

The academy will conduct music and dance festivals in the districts as part of the "Suvarna Karnataka" celebrations involving local artistes, Prof. Mansur said.

The academy has also a plan to organise a national level music and dance festival in April either in Bagalkot or Kudalasangama, he said.

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