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Despite odds, Lalitha Kala Parishad striving to promote traditional arts
The Lalitha Kala Parishad LKP, a six decadeold cultural organisation which produced many cultural artistes over the years has been fighting against all odds to attract modern youth into traditional art and dance forms In present days, modern music, cinemas and the policies being adopted by educational institutions are driving ancient art forms to near extinction
Anantapur: The Lalitha Kala Parishad (LKP), a six decade-old cultural organisation which produced many cultural artistes over the years has been fighting against all odds to attract modern youth into traditional art and dance forms. In present days, modern music, cinemas and the policies being adopted by educational institutions are driving ancient art forms to near extinction.
Lalitha Kala Parishad was founded by freedom fighter Kalluri Subba Rao who donated the land for the cultural centre which is spread in one-acre land at the busy Saptagiri Circle in the town. It was established in the year 1955.
The objective of the LKP is to promote drama, dance, and folklore forms and 34 other ancient arts. Harikatha, Burrakatha, Social drama, Kolatam, Veeranatyam and other arts were promoted ever since its inception. Under the control district collectors, the LKP conducted several government-funded cultural programmes besides private functions.
Secretary of LKP Gajula Narayana Swamy interacting with 'The Hans India' said that over the years many artistes were felicitated and budding artistes were encouraged by the organisation. ``Burakatha artistes were trained in hundreds from rural areas.
Veeranatyam, the "dance form of the brave", is a traditional form of dance popular in the district and the parishath has been patronising it. LKP was popular until early 1990s,’’ he said.
But, later it witnessed gradual decline with the changing values and tastes among the youth, Swamy said. The LKP used to coordinate with schools and encourage the students to learn traditional art forms. But there are no takers for these arts now. Many music and dance masters take classes in the LKP, but their students are only retired employees who come to spend their time.
Bellary Raghava, a drama artist and Roddam Hanumantha Rao contributed a lot for promotion of several arts through LKP. Ugadi festivities, Kavula Sammelanam (meeting of poets) and Muggula Potilu (Rangoli competitions) are the annual festivals organised by the LKP.
Stage dramas were losing their popularity as women were not coming forward to act in them, he said. Narayana Swamy says that he took over as secretary of LKP in 2007 and turned it self-reliant without anticipating help from government.
