Mangalore  :

A work of art by an artist is not merely an array of colours. On the other hand, the colours within a line art sketch sends out positive message to society, B Ramanath Rai, minister for environment and forests and Dakshina Kannada district in-charge, has said.

It is therefore imperative for society to promote fine arts and artists, for they contribute to the wellbeing of society in a positive way at that, he said.

Inaugurating the Chitra Karanth arts complex at Shivaram Karanth Bala Vana at Parladka in Puttur, 50 km from here on Saturday, Rai said the fame of litterateur Kota Shivarama Karanth is widespread, thanks to his works in the field of Kannada literature and yakshagana. It is therefore apt that the complex has been set up in a place where the writer spent a major part of his life with sections on literature, arts and exhibition, Rai said.

Mangalore MP Nalin Kumar Kateel observed that while politicians cannot grow to the exalted levels of Jnanapeeth awardee Kota Shivarama Karanth, they can definitely strive to inculcate the principles that he stood by in his life such as forthrightness, time sense. “If people in general and politicians in particular imbibe Karanth’s qualities in life, it will be a befitting tribute to the likes of Karanth,” he added.

Rekha , daughter of eminent artist KK Hebbar unveiled a painting of Karanth as envisaged by her father. H Prasanna, Puttur assistant commissioner said the complex houses 55 works of art based on literature of Karanth.

All steps have been taken to ensure that art camps and other activities are held at Bala Vana on a continuous basis, he said. Kshama Rao, Karnath’s daughter, gave an Odissi dance performance on the occasion. Shakuntala T Shetty, Puttur MLA, presided.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mangalore / TNN / June 02nd, 2013