A grand Yakshagana performance, “Seetha Parithyaga Kanakangi Kalyana”, was magnificently staged at the Silver Jubilee Hall of St. Philomena College (Autonomous), Puttur. The event was organized under the joint auspices of Yaksha Kalakendra, Shikshaka Rakshaka Sangha, and the Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation, Puttur Unit.

Guided by the Principal, Rev. Dr. Antony Prakash Monteiro, the college has been consistently promoting Yakshagana through “Yakshamrutha”, a free Yakshagana Certificate Course conducted by Yaksha Kalakendra for students. In alignment with the Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation’s educational initiative, which provides free Yakshagana training in 94 schools across Karnataka, the programme highlighted the institution’s commitment to the preservation and propagation of this traditional art form.

Presiding over the function, the Correspondent o the College,Very  Rev. Fr. Lawrence Mascarenhas, lauded the achievements of renowned Yakshagana exponent Patla Satish Shetty. He also commended the significant contribution of Yaksha Kalakendra in enriching the cultural landscape of the college and expressed his hope that such creative endeavours would continue to elevate the institution’s cultural prestige.

Speaking on the occasion, Savanoor Seetharam Rai, Honorary President of the Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation, Puttur Unit, elaborated on the foundation’s achievements and objectives. He underlined that the priority given to art and culture is one of the hallmarks of St. Philomena College.

The chief guest, Patla Satish Shetty - founder president of the parent unit of Patla Foundation in Mangaluru and a celebrated bhagavatha (lead singer) of Yakshagana emphasized the importance of student engagement in the growth and expansion of this traditional art. He also fondly remembered the late Puttur Shridhar Bhandari, a legendary performer renowned for his Pundu roles, and highlighted his invaluable contribution to Yakshagana.

On the occasion, Rev. Dr. Antony Prakash Monteiro, Principal of St Philomena College, felicitated Patla Satish Shetty with a memento in recognition of his service to the art form. Former President of the Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation, Puttur Unit, Jayaraj Bhandari, extended his best wishes to the programme.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Dr Vijayakumar Moleyar, Vice Principal of the college, Karunakar Rai Derla, President of Patla Foundation, Puttur Unit, and V. P. Abdul Kunhi, President of Shikshaka Rakshaka Sangha. Prashanth Rai, Director of Yaksha Kalakendra, welcomed the gathering, while Tejasvi Bhat, Secretary of the Alumni Association, proposed the vote of thanks.

Following the formal stage programme, the Yakshagana prasanga “Seetha Parithyaga Kanakangi Kalyana” was presented to much acclaim. The performance drew enthusiastic participation from retired lecturers of the college, alumni, Yakshagana enthusiasts, and students of Yaksha Kalakendra, making it an unforgettable cultural celebration.

INVITATION