Yakshagana artistes should work towards preserving the classical folk art form, said Karnataka Yakshagana Bayalata Academy president M L Samaga on Sunday.
He was addressing a gathering after releasing the book ‘Yakshashree’ during the annual celebration of Montethadka Shree Durgaparameshwari Yakshagana Sangha on the Arasinamakki Shri Gopalakishna Higher Primary School premises in Beltangady.
“Earlier, Yakshagana artistes performed to keep the tradition alive. Now they are only keen on receiving awards which demeans the value of the art form and the artiste,” he said. He said he was happy that the government formed the Yakshagana Academy, as it has made it easy to record an artiste’s achievements. It will also help to pass down the art from one generation to another, he added.
Responding to comments made against Yakshagana by a sandalwood actress, Samaga said: “It is not worth a response. It is clear that Yakshagana has its own audience and no one can damage its heritage. As the art form has a religious background, one should not pass derogatory comments.” Shree Durgaparameshwari Yakshagana Sangha president Jayaprakash Hebbar presided over the programme.