BANGALORE: Veteran Yakshagana artiste Argodu Mohandas Shenoy urged the state government to do more for the sake of saving the art form. “It is not enough to have a Yakshagana Academy. This art form needs a holistic approach, including encouragement of research and concentrated teaching,” said Shenoy after receiving the Dronacharya award conferred to him by Karnataka Mahila Yakshagana. Shenoy also urged parents to introduce children to Yakshagana, calling it a ‘doorway towards our native culture’. He said, “It is true that parents hesitate to send their wards for Yakshagana. They should not look at it as a profession. Yakshagana will help children understand how our ancestors led their lives and will also learn to respect our culture.” Upon receiving the Dronacharya Award for the services he has rendered as a Yakshagana artiste, Shenoy opined that it was better than getting an award from the government. “I am very happy. It is a public award given to me by Yakshagana patrons amidst many lovers of the art form. It is better than a state award,” he added. Organised by Karnataka Mahila Yakshagana, the event also saw Ramdas Maravante receiving H L Bhat Award for his work as a Yakshagana background vocalist. Apart from the awards, the programme had several Yakshagana performances such as Krishna Garadi, Karna Bedana and Bedara Kannappa by students belonging to various Yakshagana institutions.
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