Century is a landmark that calls for celebration. More so if it is associated with a cause of promoting a language through the art and cultural route that is unique to the language in question. Come November, the city will play host to the 100th event of Sambhrama Saurabha and this edition is titled ‘Sambhrama 100’.
To be celebrated between November 7 and 11, 2012 at National High School Grounds, Basavanagudi, ‘Sambhrama 100’ will showcase 100 artistes depicting different art forms and this event will go on non-stop for 100 hours. This event is aimed at popularising Kannada in the cosmopolitan Bangalore where there is genuine fear that the local language is losing ground.
This being the first 100 hour programme in the history of Karnataka, Sambhrama Saurabha will make it to the Guiness record book. This event is expected to be a wake up call for the Bangaloreans by giving them a glimpse of the richness and legacy of Kannda language, local culture, art, literature, dance, music and drama which are unique to Karnataka.
The brain child of Sanjeev Kulkarni, a popular TV anchor, Sambhrama Saurabha has been attracting like-minded Kannada people and their families together. Sambhrama Saurabha which initially started with about 30 families, today has grown to more than 3,000 families and month after month the event is getting patronage from more families genuinely interested in the Kannada language-art-culture-literature. For many Kannada lovers the second Sunday of every month is blocked in their calendar for Sambhrama Saurabha, come rain or shine.
While on one hand, the event promotes everything related to Kannada, on the other hand it offers a platform for artistes to showcase their talent.
This event has also provided a new ray of hope for resurrecting folk art.
According to Sanjeev Kulkarni, “Kannada is disappearing from the city and the number of people speaking Kannada is dwindling. At the same time there is paucity of pure Kannada events that brings to life the richness of the language, art, culture and music. Sambhrama Saurabha is an endeavour to address both the issues and popularise Kannada through art and culture.”
Further, he pointed out, Sambhrama 100 should make all Kannadigas proud as this meaningful cultural festival will trigger a cascading effect and leave new footprints. In addition, introducing new people, new thoughts, bringing out the hidden talent in both the elderly and the youth is bound to take the spirit of the event to its next level.
In short, Sambhrama Saurabha, is a four-wheeled chariot -- entertainment, art, worship, showcasing talent and sumptuous meals.