Workshop on tribal culture inaugurated

The workshop will focus on the art forms of tribal communities, especially dance and music

‘Workshop has helped us revive our art forms, made us feel it is important too’

MYSORE: Kaadina Haadu – a 10-day workshop on tribal culture organised by the Bhoomigeeta Trus – was inaugurated on the verdant premises of the Fine Arts College here on Thursday with artistes of the Betta Kuruba community exhibiting their dancing skills.

The programme is a part of the Bhoomigeetha Trust’s initiative to protect and promote tribal cultural forms that are on the verge of extinction. Cine music director V. Manohar heads the trust, and is supported by other leading lights such as Baraguru Ramachandrappa, Hamsalekha, Mohan Alva, Amrith Someshwara, Kikkeri Narayan. Over 30 people have signed up to participate in the workshop.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Manohar said that the workshop had been organised to sensitise the mainstream to the need to protect tribal cultural forms facing extinction in the changed economic scenario.

Cultural forms

During the workshop, members from tribal communities will introduce cultural forms, especially dance and music, to those interested in learning them. He said that the tribal art, which was full of rich ritualistic expression and aesthetic emotions, was in danger because of the penetration of urbanisation into tribal haadis (settlements).

Mysore City Corporation Mayor Sandeshswamy reiterated the need to protect tribal culture. “The endeavour by the Bhoomigeeta Trust is appreciable under the circumstances as it will help in rejuvenating tribal cultural forms,” he said.

Tribal leader Somanna said that the workshop had helped tribal artistes revive their art forms and made them feel that their art forms still had its importance in the present consumerist world.

Wildlife photographer and documentary maker Kripakar Senani also underlined the need to protect tribal culture. The programme concluded with a “soliga” song.

Article Link:http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article771204.ece