Kodagu is a district known for its cultural diversity, with its people’s culture, lifestyle, customs and traditions being distinctive. Its literature, culture and heritage continue to thrive, while the friendly nature of its people reflects the district’s cultural richness, said former Kannada Sahitya Parishat president T.P. Ramesh.
He was speaking after inaugurating the Kala Pratibha Utsava-2026 competitions at Gandhi Bhavan in Madikeri. The event was organised jointly by the district administration, Zilla Panchayat, Department of Kannada and Culture, Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, Karnataka Arebhashe Culture and Literature Academy, District Kannada Sahitya Parishat, School Education and Literacy Department, Pre-University Education Department, District JanapadaParishat, District Social Welfare Department and the Department of Tribal Welfare.
He said that participation was more important than winning or losing in competitions. Students should not hesitate to participate in any competition but should come forward to showcase their talents. Government departments were making efforts to identify talented individuals, provide them with suitable platforms and encourage them.
He observed that the district had considerable talent and that students should actively participate in extracurricular activities alongside their academic studies. This would enable them to showcase their abilities and gain recognition at the state level.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Jayalakshmi Rayakod said that art gave expression to the human mind while also showcasing culture. Emotional development was as important in human life as physical and intellectual development.
She said that raising children in the right manner had become challenging due to excessive use of social media in recent times. Children needed to develop good values to make their lives meaningful.
Values were the foundation of culture, and art played an important role in nurturing them. Therefore, children’s talents should be identified, encouraged and nurtured. She urged everyone to move forward with the motto, “Let us blossom through art and grow through art”.
She described Kodagu as a land of valour and praised the cooperation among its people and its rich cultural heritage. District JanapadaParishat president B.G. Ananthashayana said that when people immersed themselves wholeheartedly in their work, songs would emerge naturally. While success was important in life, true achievement lay in learning from failures and moving forward.
Rotary Misty Hills director Anil H.T. said that modern media was readily accessible to Generation Z, with the result that the talents of the younger generation were increasingly visible on social media. However, the genuine talent of artists could not be created through artificial intelligence or modern media. He appreciated the government’s initiative in providing platforms such as these to showcase authentic artistic talent.
On behalf of art enthusiasts, Anil also appealed to the authorities to complete the Kala Bhavans (art centres) under construction in Madikeri and Kushalnagar at the earliest.
B.S. Lokesh Sagar of the Kannada Jagruti Samiti and Kannada Development Authority said that Kodagu possessed a rare culture that had earned recognition at the national level.
Project Coordination Officer of the Department of Tribal Welfare Bhagirathi, Padma Shri awardee Rani Machaiah, Taluk Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Kadler Tulasi Mohan and District Writers’ Association honorary treasurer Sampath Kumar were present.
Assistant Director of the Department of Kannada and Culture Kumar welcomed the gathering. Jayalakshmi and her team rendered Vande Mataram and the state anthem. Manajoor Manjunath compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks.
As Assistant Director Kumar is due to retire, dignitaries felicitated and honoured him during the programme. The competitions are being conducted in three categories: Children’s Talent, Adolescent Talent and Youth Talent.
The Children’s Talent and Adolescent Talent categories featured competitions in light music, folk songs, classical dance, Carnatic and Hindustani instrumental music, classical vocal music and painting.
Students from primary and high schools across all five taluks of Kodagu district participated in the competitions.
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