Moodbidri : Litterateur and cine director, Nagatihalli Chandrashekar inaugurated a six-day national cultural festival, ‘Alvas Virasat’ organized at Shobhavana Mijar near here on January 11, Tuesday.
Speaking after inaugurating the event, he said that, there is a need to introduce great legends such as Yesudas to young people.
Padma Bhushan Dr K J Yesudas, was brought to the dais in a palanquin, accompanied by a procession.
Renowned Carnatic music legend and playback singer, Yesudas, was conferred with the ‘Virasat Award-2011’ award. Speaking after receiving the award on the occasion, he stressed the role the students to play a major role protecting the the essence of Indian culture and traditions.
He enthralled his listeners by singing the highly popular devotional song, “Swami Ayyappa song.
Mangalore University vice chancellor, Prof T C Shivashankara Murthy, Century Builders owner, Dayanand Pai, MLA, Abhayachandra Jain, and former minister, K Amarnath Shetty, participated as chief guests.
Nitte Education Trust president, N Vinay Hegde, presided over the programme. Alvas Foundation chairman, Dr M Mohan Alva, and his father, Anand Alva, were present at the dais.
The dance programme, ‘Rama Katha Vismaya’ was staged on the occasion, in which Kathak dancing duo, Nirupama and Rajendra of Abhinava Dance Troupe, Bangalore, performed.
Dr Mohan Alva welcomed the gathering. Prof Venkatakrishna proposed vote of thanks.  Deepa Kothari, Lecturer, compered the programme.