Moodbidri: The four-day State level festival of culture, music, dance and literature, Alva’s Nudisiri, was inaugurated at the Ratnakarvarni stage here, on November 26.
Prior to the inauguration, a grand procession depicting the rich and vivid culture of Karnataka was held from the entrance of Alva’s campus to the venue. More than 1500 artistes took part in the procession with as many 52 different troupes.
The programme began with the state anthem, followed by the Raitha geethe and concluding with Vande Mataram. Everyone in the gathering waved the respective flags during each song.
The programme was inaugurated by Renowned Kannada Novelist Dr Veena Shanteshwar by lighting the traditional lamp followed by pouring milk to a wooden rice pot along with other dignitaries on the dais. Dr Mohan Alva welcomed the gathering.
Dr Veena Shanteshwar was felicitated for her achievements by Dr Mohan Alva on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Veena expressed her happiness to be a part of this programme. “Alva’s Nudisiri is a symbol of unity, harmony and brotherhood because people from all walks of life have gathered here. This is the 12th Nudisiri and people have gathered here in large numbers which shows the achievements of Dr Mohan Alva, said Dr Veena. She further said that if a person has vision along with humility, he can create wonders and Dr Mohan Alva stands as a testimony to this. “Alva’s Nudisiri and Virasat is a blend of literature and music. Music and literature keeps a person away from violence and helps in spreading peace and harmony.”
She also said, “Nowadays, when we see the children, we feel pity because of the heavy school bags that they have to carry and the hefty school fees. Today, education has been commercialized. Corruption and politics have ruined the education system. It is the need of the hour to bring children friendly education in schools.”
Citing the example of how Finland functions, she said even though Finland is a small country, the children of the country receive free education. Education is promoted in that country but here in India, instead of promoting education, institutions drive children away with their high fees. She also said that in our country, due to water problems, farmers commit suicide. “The prime minister should intervene and bring a national water policy as well as provide facilities to the farmers so that we can do as much as possible to prevent farmers from committing suicide,” she added.
Stressing on the increase in sexual assaults on women and girls, she said that in our country, sexual assaults on women are still on the rise. “When the Nirbhaya incident happened in Delhi, the entire country was in shame for the heinous act. We wrote about sexual assaults, protested against it and demanded that such incidents should not happen in the future, but the sexual assaults on girls and women have not stopped. If we write or protest, it will not stop. The government should bring changes in the law. Whoever commits the crime, be it a businessman, religious head or any influential man, they should be punished severely. Sexual education should be made mandatory in schools so that the children should learn about the good and bad touch,” said Dr Veena.
She further said that we proudly say that we are a country of diversity but intolerance in the country has increased and people all over the country are raising their voice against it. We have to fight intolerance, keeping aside politics. This is not just limited to our country. Intolerance exists in the entire world and so the world needs to unite to eliminate intolerance.”
Dr B V Venkatachala Shastri delivered the presidential address. Harshendra Kumar, Amarnath Shetty, Anand Alva and others were present on the occasion.
