Puttur, July 26: Students of St Philomena College (Autonomous), Puttur, will now have an opportunity to receive structured training in Yakshagana through a 40-hour certificate course titled "Yakshamruta", inaugurated on Saturday.
The course has been jointly launched by the Yaksha Kala Kendra of St Philomena College and Deshabhakta N.S. Kille Pratishthana. It aims to preserve Karnataka's rich Yakshagana tradition while encouraging young people to develop artistic and cultural skills.
Designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical training, the programme will prepare students to become skilled Yakshagana performers. Participants will undergo classroom learning, hands-on practice, written and practical examinations, and a final stage performance before receiving certificates.
Inaugurating the 2026-27 batch, Vasudeva Aithal Panambur, Chief Convener of Yakshadhruva Yakshashikshana, explained the cultural significance, academic value and future opportunities associated with Yakshagana. He encouraged students to actively participate in preserving the state's traditional art forms.
Presiding over the programme, Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, Principal of St Philomena College, said creativity and artistic expression are essential for students' overall development. He observed that the growing influence of digital entertainment has reduced interest in traditional arts among young people and appreciated the Yaksha Kala Kendra for its continuous efforts to keep Yakshagana alive through educational initiatives.
The programme began with a prayer by student Sannidhi Rai. Prashanth Rai, Convener of the Yaksha Kala Kendra, welcomed the gathering, while Suraksha Rai, Coordinator of the Yakshamruta programme, proposed the vote of thanks. Faculty members and students enrolled in the course were present during the inauguration.
Keywords
Puttur News, Puttur News in English, St Philomena College Puttur, Yakshamruta Certificate Course, Yakshagana Training, Yaksha Kala Kendra, Puttur Education News, Yakshagana Certificate Course