Mangalore: Renowned Tulu theatrical personality Devadas Kapikad of the ‘Bale Cha Parka’ fame was conferred the Tulunada Birse’ title at the Chavadi Koota of Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy on May 29, Tuesday.

Senior Yakshagana artiste Thimmappa Gujran was felicitated with ‘Chavadi Thammana’ at the same function.
Speaking on the occasion Devadas Kapikad said an artiste continues to learn different facets of his performing art, throughout his life.

Umanath Kotian, Tulu Sahitya Academy President, presided over the function. Two research books – ‘Belakinedege’ and ‘Tulunadina Apoorva Bhoothagalu’ authored by Dr Laxmi G Prasad were released by Dr Kamala Bhat.
 
 A seminar on ‘Development of Tulu Yakshagana’ was also held on the occasion. In his address, Kumble Sunder Rao, former president of the Karnataka Yakshagana Bayalata Academy, emphasized the need for the younger generation to develop an interest in the art of Yakshagana. He also opined that reducing the time of Yakshagana shows may help in this direction.

Jabbar Samo, a well-known Talamaddale artiste and probably the only Muslim artiste in Yakshagana, also spoke on the occasion. Nithyananda Karanth Polali, Yakshagana author, veteran Yakshagana artistes Kolyur Ramachandra Rao, Aruva Koragappa Shetty, Siddakatte Vishwanath Shetty, Tharanath Balyaya, and others were present on the occasion.