Mangaluru: Aati should be seen as more than a time for enjoying traditional dishes—it represents resilience, heritage, and well-being, said Athrady Amrutha Shetty, member of the Dr Shivaram Karanth Trust, during the ‘Aatida Gena’ programme held at Tulu Bhavana on Sunday.
The event was jointly organized by the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy and the women’s wing of the All India Mundala Youth Forum. In her address, Shetty emphasized the need to understand the true spirit of Aati, especially the hardships once faced during this monsoon month, and the cultural practices developed to sustain through them.
“Aati is not a symbol of misfortune—it is a time for healing, reflection, and strength,” she said. Highlighting the relevance of Aati Kashaya, a traditional herbal drink, Shetty noted that its value lies not in social media trends but in the wisdom it carries from earlier generations.
She also praised Tulu women for their role in upholding the essence of Aati, nurturing families and guests alike through food, care, and practical wisdom—especially during a season where survival depended on simplicity and resourcefulness.
Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy Chairman Tharanath Gatti Kapikad echoed this sentiment, urging that Aati must move beyond nostalgia or symbolic rituals like playing in muddy fields. “Let us commit to growing rice at least once a year and bring fallow lands back to life,” he said.
Dr Kalpana Ashfaque of AJ Institute of Medical Sciences inaugurated the event.