The Hindu : Karnataka News : ‘A festival of the people’

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Wednesday, Nov 07, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka

‘A festival of the people’

Staff Correspondent

HAMPI: Active participation of all sections of society with enthusiasm has made the Hampi Utsav a “janotsava’ (peoples’ festival), Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court Cyriac Joseph said here on Monday.

“Participating in the festival was a remarkable experience, he said. Speaking at the valedictory function of the cultural event, he expressed happiness over the opportunities being given to young artistes to perform. The State had a rich tradition of culture and heritage which was a matter of pride, he said, stressing the need for more funds to be allocated for the furtherance of art and culture. Presiding over the function, Chairman of the Legislative Council B.K. Chandrashekar said that the “janapada kalavahini,” a colourful procession of artistes of various folk forms, had further proved that art was not the exclusive prerogative of the middle classes, but was all-inclusive in its approach. According to him, not only the educated but even the others could substantially enrich it. Endorsing the views of the Chief Justice, Mr. Chandrashekar asked the Government to release at least Rs. five crore towards organising cultural festivals of such magnitudes. The elected representatives of the State should impress upon the Government the need to increase budget allocations for the Hampi Utsav, he said. Mr. Chandrashekar emphasised that the tourist potential at Hampi should be harnessed to the maximum. The former Home Minister M.P. Prakash, Kannada and Culture Secretary I.M. Vittalmurthy and Commissioner for Kannada and Culture Shivananjaiah spoke. President of the zilla panchayat Pushparekha, and vice-president Savita Bai, were among others who were present.

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