Kalpa Media House | Shimoga |
Invoking the poetic essence of the Malnad landscape, veteran actor, former minister, and Chairperson of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Jayamala, inaugurated the three-day inter-collegiate cultural extravaganza, ‘Sahyadri Utsava-2026,’ at Kuvempu University on Thursday.
Addressing a packed Basava Sabha Bhavana, she described the Shimoga region as a legendary cultural “Gharana” that has consistently birthed intellectual giants and cinematic legends. She urged the student community to look beyond technical intelligence and embrace the humane values of art and literature to navigate a world currently overshadowed by conflict and selfish politics.
Paying a soulful tribute to the local landscape, Dr. Jayamala quoted Kuvempu’s famous lines, “Hoguvenu na maleya nadige,” noting that the environmental brilliance of Malnad has long been a sanctuary for world-class literati and filmmakers. She recalled the golden era of cinema when legends like Satyajit Ray and Mrunal Sen looked toward Karnataka as the future of the Indian film industry. She specifically reminisced about the impact of Girish Kasaravalli’s Ghatashraddha winning the Swarna Kamala, noting that such masterpieces established a creative standard that continues to define the region’s identity as a powerhouse of curricular and cultural activities.
Turning her attention to the global climate, the former minister lamented that the world has seemingly forgotten humanity in its pursuit of “selfish politics” and war. Invoking Kuvempu’s vision of Sarva Janangada Shantiya Tota (a garden of peace for all communities), she asserted that only art has the power to bless humanity with the love it currently lacks. She emphasized that while the youth of today are exceptionally intelligent and adaptable, they must not lose sight of their “inner abilities,” urging them to cultivate the three qualities, Sahitya (literature), Kale (art), and Sangeeta (music) to lead a truly happy and meaningful life.
Reflecting on her own journey, Dr. Jayamala spoke emotionally about her doctoral research on the marginalized communities of Alamatti, an achievement honored by the late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. She noted with concern that despite the release of massive funds, the true relocation and upliftment of these displaced people often remain unseen. She reminded the audience that art only survives through the love of its adorers, and this allowed her to rise from her humble beginnings to her current stature.
In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sharath Ananthamurthy echoed these sentiments, describing Malnad as a “concentrated hub of talent” from which excellence spreads to the rest of the world. Paying a glowing tribute to the chief guest, he remarked that while many are stars in the cinematic sky, Dr. Jayamala remains a pole star for her unwavering commitment to both art and social issues. He emphasized that in an era increasingly dominated by Artificial Intelligence, the human element of creative expression remains our most vital asset.
The Vice-Chancellor cautioned that while AI can replicate patterns, it can never replace the authentic human spirit found in diverse art forms. “AI may disrupt traditional creativity, but the soul of expression belongs solely to humanity,” Prof. Ananthamurthy stated. He concluded that strengthening the arts is the only viable response to global conflict and social unrest. He called upon the students to use their creative talents to “stand as a question” to the injustices of the world, ensuring that their education is balanced with the empathy that only the cultural arts can provide.
The inauguration marked the start of 24 diverse cultural competitions, organized in coordination with the Department of Extracurricular Activities. The event saw the presence of several dignitaries including Registrar Sri A.L. Manjunath, Registrar of Evaluation Prof. R. Thimmarayappa, Finance Officer Prof. H.N. Ramesh, and Director of Student Welfare Prof. G. Prashanth Nayaka, alongside members of the Syndicate and Academic Council. The day began with a solemn garlanding of the Kuvempu statue, followed by a vibrant thematic procession that wound through the campus, showcasing the rich heritage of the state.
Procession Highlights
The ‘Cultural Patha Sanchalana’ was a kaleidoscope of tradition and social commentary
Themes of Resistance: The Kateel Ashok Pai College showcased the “Khadi and Swadeshi” movement, emphasizing self-reliance.
Social Justice: The Karnataka Shatamanotsava College presented a powerful “Mahishasura Mardini” tableau, where the slaying of the demon depicted the end of corruption, communal violence, and harassment, championing the theme of secularism.
Folk Splendor: The procession featured energetic performances of Kamsale, Dollu Kunitha, Pooje Kunitha, and Mari Kunitha.
Heritage on Display: Students donned Banjara, Kodava, and traditional Malnad costumes, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of Nandi Kodu and the primal energy of tribal groups and Kavadi dancers.
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