Mangalore : Newly elected president of Karnataka Yakshagana Bayalata Academy Prof Malpe Laxminarayana Samaga, was felicitated in a programme held at Town Hall on September 16, Friday.

Speaking after receiving the honour, Prof M L Samaga said that innovative experiments in the field of art are very essential for its growth.

Expressing his term as the president for three-year in the Academy, he said that he has planned to help out Yakshagana artistes and will further make sincere efforts to study the artists expectations by developing the art.

Senior litterateur and folk expert Erya Laxminarayana Alva appreciated the effort of Prof Samaga for his contribution in the field.

Shree Vidyaprasanna Swamiji of Subrahmanya Mutt, Harikrishna Punaroor and Santhosh Aithal were present on the dais.