KOCHI:Unnikrishna Pakkanar, noted bamboo musician and sculptor, inaugurated the Art and Heritage Club at SH School of Communication.
The presidential address was delivered by Josy Konnoth, a noted Chavittunadakkam artiste and member of Folklore Academy, Thrissur.
He extolled the history and origin of Chavittunadakkam and the influence of European Opera on it. Folklore Day which falls on August 22 was also observed at the function held on August 20.
Unnikrishna Pakkanar, who is based in Kuttanellor, a tiny hamlet in central Kerala, is the founder of the band, ‘The Creator’ and is an avid designer of percussion instruments - he has more than 60 bamboo drums, flutes and Congos to his credit.
At the inaugural function, he enthralled the audience by performing on flute and involving the students in the rendition as well. Jointly organised by SHSC and Folklore Academy, Thrissur, this will be a platform for students to learn about and participate in folk art forms that are fast being replaced by contemporary music and performances. The premise of the five courses at SHSC - BA Animation and Graphic Design, MA Multimedia, MA Cinema and Television, Master of Mass communication and Journalism, and MA Graphic Design - is entwined in art, and this connection with ethnic art will help preserve these performances and folklore.
Pakkanar Kali, along with the PakkanarKolam, was performed by Thenadi Thekkanpattukootam from Kottarakara, Kollam. It was led by artiste and short filmmaker Mahesh Thenadi.
Actress Reshmi Sathish of ‘22 Female Kottayam’ fame was also present. Her soulful delivery of the folk numbers, ‘Paatum Parunthakkettum’ and ‘Inivarunnoru Thalamuraykku’ enlivened the whole place.