Mangaluru witnessed a celebration of cultural dedication at the Yakshadhruva Patla Decennial Celebration 2025 and National Art Conference, hosted by the Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation Trust at Adyar Garden on Sunday.
Sri Sachidananda Bharati Swami, the seer of Edneer Mutt, praised the foundation as a model of impactful social service within ten years. “It’s a delightful surprise for all art connoisseurs,” he said, commending founder-president Patla Satish Shetty for his visionary leadership. The trust has extended healthcare, housing, and welfare assistance to artists, especially those in distress, which Swami called a remarkable achievement in fostering social unity.
On the occasion, the Yaksha Dhruva Maha Poshaka Award 2025 was presented to Aikala Harish Shetty, president of the Federation of World Bunts Associations, and his wife Chandrika Harish Shetty. Aikala Shetty, expressing gratitude, highlighted Patla’s devotion to Kateel Durgaparameshwari and acknowledged the struggles Yakshagana performers face during off-seasons. He affirmed lifelong support to the foundation, calling Patla “a force to reckon with” and urging the youth to contribute to the movement.
K Prakash Shetty of MRG Group lauded Patla’s vocal devotion and said Yakshagana artists, despite hardships, never seek alms but entertain with dignity. Udupi-based philanthropist G Shankar added that their family trust would support the foundation’s efforts, especially in promoting the art among the youth.
In his keynote, Patla Satish Shetty emphasized unity as the foundation for greater societal service.
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