Alva’s Virasat, a three-day extravaganza of music and dance, began here on Friday.
Well-known playback singer Hariharan was conferred with the Alva’s Virasat Award 2019 at the 25th edition of Alva’s Virasat, organised by Alva’s Education Foundation, here at Vanajakshi K Sripathi Bhat Vedike, in Moodbidri.
Speaking on the occasion after accepting the award, Hariharan said, “Music is a medicine to keep the mind and heart calm. Music also helps to take the mind to a meditative state.”
The work that the government should have done is being carried out by Alva’s Foundation, which is a model for the entire country, he said.
Pejawar Mutt seer Sri Vishwesha Swamiji stressed upon the need for harmony in life. Music, philosophy, art, Yoga have reached Western countries from India. However, not many good things have come from Western countries to India. “The sky may have one moon. But the world has two moons in the name of art and literature. The music binds people together and helps in fostering harmony. ‘Tala’ and ‘Laya’ are important in music. Any mistake will distort the music. Let the society live in harmony,” he said.
Alva’s Education Foundation President Dr M Mohan Alva said, “I do not believe that the central and state governments will conserve classical art forms and pass it on to the future generations. Hence, educational institutions should take up the responsibility to preserve classical art forms and pass it on to the future generation.”
The Virasat has been attracting audiences with an aesthetic sense for the past 25 years. Just like sport lovers visit England to watch Wimbledon, connoisseurs of music and art from different parts of the world come to Moodbidri for Virasat. Nitte Deemed to be University Chancellor N Vinay Hegde inaugurated the programme.
A special postal cover, brought out by India Post on the occasion of the 25th edition of Virasat, was released on the occasion.
As part of the cultural extravaganza, Colonial Cousins fame Hariharan and Lesle Lewis performed. Alva’s students presented a variety of cultural programmes comprising Mohiniyattam, Badaguthittu Yakshagana,
Mallakamba and Dandiya dance of Gujarat on the occasion.