“Yakshagana has literally become an alternative source of education,” opined Dr. Dharanidevi Malagathi, Deputy Director, Karnataka Police Academy (KPA). She was speaking at the valedictory of ‘Yaksha Panchami’ Yakshagana festival at Jaganmohan Palace auditorium here yesterday.

Dr. Dharanidevi observed that Yakshagana artistes, by utilising pure Kannada words, were protecting the Kannada literature and the art had the power to teach moral values to the youth.

Speaking on the occasion, Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy regretted that Yakshagana was not receiving the needed encouragement from the government.

Dr. Bellippadi Satish Rai recollected his memories of listening to Mahabharatha and Ramayana recited by his father during his childhood.

Artistes of Sri Nidle Mahaganapathi Yakshagana Mandali were felicitated on the occasion. Academy Newspapers Pvt. Ltd. Executive Director Ralie Ganapathy, Chartered Accountant G.N. Ananthavardhana, Shyamprasad Shetty, Chennaveni Shetty, Dr. Mohandas Shetty and others were present. The Mandali troupe later presented ‘Bheeshma Prathijne’ yakshagana.