Sri Laxmivara Thirtha Swamiji Inaugurates Pili Nalike – 4
Mangaluru: President of the District Youth Congress, Mithun Rai in association with ‘Namma TV’ organized “Pili Nalike – 4” competitions for the fourth consecutive year, at the Volleyball Court, Mangala Stadium here on September 29.
The programme began with an invocation. The ‘Pili Nalike 4’, was inaugurated by the Swamiji of Shiroor Math Sri Laxmivara Thirtha Shripad, by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais. The Manjalbail Tiger team performed for the inaugural programme.
Addressing the jam-packed audience, Sri Sri Laxmivara Thirtha Shripad Swamiji said, “We are performing Puja to Goddess Durga and whoever prays to Goddess Durga, she will bless them. I have a special respect for Mithun Rai because he is trying hard to retain the culture and tradition of Tulunadu. We should all support him to continue his zeal in retaining the tradition of Tulunadu. The tiger dance is a traditional dance of Tulunadu and during Dasara, tiger dancers go from house to house, dancing and entertaining people, if people are happy, God accepts their performance and blesses them. Mithun Rai has given them a platform to exhibit their talents by organizing the “Pili Nalike.”
MLA J R Lobo unveiled the trophies on the occasion. Addressing the gathering MLA Lobo said, “Pili Nalike is a beautiful culture which is there since many years. But Mithun Rai along with Dr Shivasharan Shetty has organized “Pili Nalike” for the fourth consecutive year and given a new life to this art. They have organized pili Nalike in a disciplined manner. Tiger Dance is a unique form of folk dance in Dakshina Kannada that fascinates the young and the old alike. I am very happy because under the leadership of our Big Pili Mithun Rai the Pili Nalike 4 has been organized. I wish them all the very best, let this Pili Nalike continue for long.”
DCP Law and Order Hanumantharaya said, “Art and Culture play a vital role in maintaining law and order in the society. Mithun Rai has organized a beautiful Pili Nalike, I am taking part for the first time and I feel very happy seeing the performance of the tiger dance team. I wish all the best and success to all the participating teams.”
District Minister In-charge Ramanath Rai speaking on the occasion said, “Dakshina Kannada district has a unique culture and tradition. During Dasara, the tiger dance teams go house to house and entertain people. But when the tiger dance was losing its importance, Mithun Rai organized Pili Nalike to provide a platform to the Tiger dance teams. Now again the Pili Nalike has become popular like the Kabbadi. People are attracted towards Pili Nalike. In Mangaluru the tiger dance teams have been selected for competitions. It is a beautiful programme and people feel like visiting the Pili Nalike venue and watching it. Last year the prize money was Rs 2 lakh but this time it has been increased to Rs 3 lakh which encourages the tiger dance teams to participate in the Pili Nalike. Mithun Rai and Namma TV has given an opportunity for the tiger dancers to exhibit their talents which is commendable.
Speaking on the occasion Mithun Rai said, “Every year on Environment day, the Minister Ramanath Rai taking the Pili Nalike winning team to Vidhana Soudha to perform in Bengaluru. Three years continuously he has taken the winning teams to Bengaluru to perform. This year he is here with us as a District Minister In-charge but next year we are organizing 5th year Pili Nalike and we want Ramanath Rai take part in the programme as the Chief Minister of Karnataka.”
Dr Shivasharan Shetty, judges Santhosh Shetty and Venkatesh Bhat, Naveen D Padil and others were also present.
