Free Yakshagana training classes launched in Dubai

Shodhan Prasad
July 6, 2018

Dubai: Yakshagana is one of the ancient form of folk art that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, make-up and stage techniques with a unique style and form.  It originated in Tulunadu and literally means the song (gana) of the Yaksha (nature spirits).  Yakshagana is the scholastic name used for the last 200 years for art forms formerly known as Kelike, Ata, Bayalata and Dasavatara.  Yakshagana was first introduced in Udupi by Madhvacharya’s disciple Narahari Tirtha.

With an attempt to keep this ancient folk art alive, many like minded individuals have brought this to light  in many ways around the world and this has resulted in various forms of Yakshagana in the present day and age.  A group of artiste, ‘Yakshamitraru’ have been promoting and presenting various successful events in Dubai and elsewhere which is well known for their dedication.In continuation to their effort Dinesh Shetty Kottinja with the support of YakshaGuru stalwart Shekar D. Shettigar Kinnigoli and teacher Sharath Poojary have come forward to train Children as well as Adults here in Dubai and have started a class one year ago with many students already enrolled.  Those who wish to join should at least complete 8 years of age as a minimum requirement.

On 29th of June, 2018 a scheduled official Class room is being opened at Talent Zone Dance School Al Nahda, Dubai and the inauguration was held in the morning at 10 am by prominent supporters of Art, Sudhakar Rao Pejavar & Shodhan Prasad Attavar.Jayanand Pakkala, Dinesh Shetty & Sharath Poojary along with Shekar Shettigar were seated on the dais.  It started with prayer by a student and followed by traditional lighting of the lamp.  Dinesh Shetty welcomed the guests and the audience. Shekar Shettigar conducted the programme and briefed on the training classes as well as the importance of Yakshagana, compared to other form of arts.The guests were welcomed with flower bouquet.

Later Guests Sudhakar Rao Pejavar & Shodhan Prasad spoke highlighting the importance of Yakshagana in the present world, inspiring more students to enroll and thanking Dinesh Shetty & Shekar Shettigar for their selfless contribution in forming these training classes.  They also confirmed their support whenever needed.  The teachers have taught real discipline to their students which was witnessed during the inauguration prayer rendering.  The success of these training got reflected and witnessed during the presentation these students gave recently in Mangalore Patla Foundation programme.This may be for the first time that young students from abroad beautifully presented Yakshagana in Mangalore which was very well appreciated.

Later Jayalaxmi Jayanand Pakkala and Girish Narayan another enthusiastic artiste in Dubai spoke on the event and conveyed their wishes for the Yakshagana Class initiative.Dinesh Shetty also spoke on the subject and Shekar Shettigar concluded with vote of thanks.  Light refreshments were served and the regular classes started thereafter.  Please call the below mentioned contact to get enrolled.

Details of the Yakshagana Class:

Premises – Talent Zone Music & Dance Centre
Ahli House ‘B’ (Ravi Restaurant building) Al Nahda 2, 
Al Quasis - Dubai.
Timing: 10 AM to 1 PM
FRIDAYS only
Contact: Mr. Shekar Shettigar – 050 8968565

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News Network
November 21,2024

CAKhaleel.jpg

Prominent NRI community leader SM Syed Khalilur Rehman, fondly known as CA Khalil, passed away in Dubai on Thursday at the age of 86 after a brief illness.

Khalil had been admitted to Aster Hospital in Mankhool on Tuesday after experiencing severe leg weakness. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, he succumbed to a double heart attack that worsened his condition, his son Rais Ahmed confirmed.

The news of his passing has sent waves of grief across communities, particularly in his hometown of Bhatkal, Karnataka, where he was a celebrated figure. Tributes have been pouring in on social media, highlighting his significant contributions to international trade, social service, and education.

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

A chartered accountant by profession, Khalil was a founding member of the Dubai chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), where he served as chairman from 1987 to 1994. His illustrious career included key leadership roles, such as general manager of Khaleej Times, group executive director of the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group, and vice-chairman of the Jashanmal Group of Companies.

He also chaired Maadhyama Communications and Sahil Online, a web-based news platform, and was a director and trustee of several media companies and charitable organisations in Dubai and India.

A Champion for Education and Philanthropy

Khalil’s impact extended far beyond his professional achievements. As president and general secretary of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen, he played a pivotal role in the development of educational institutions, including schools and colleges in Bhatkal and surrounding areas. His dedication to social upliftment earned him recognition from the Government of Karnataka, which honoured him with a prestigious award for his philanthropic contributions.

A Life Celebrated

The Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council (BMKC) recently released a documentary celebrating Khalil’s remarkable life and service to the community—a testament to his enduring legacy.

CA Khalil is survived by his family and countless admirers across the globe. His passing marks the end of an era for Indian expatriates in the UAE and beyond, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, generosity, and commitment to community service.

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News Network
November 18,2024

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Dubai: A 15-year-old Indian expat boy drowned after he was caught by huge waves in the sea off Mamzar Beach in Dubai. 

Ahmed Abdulla Mafaz, a 15-year-old school student in Dubai, died while his sister Fathima, a university student, was rescued, according to their father Mohammed Ashraf. The family hails from Kerala’s Kasaragod.

The grieving father said the incident happened when the Indian expat family went for an outing at the beach park.

Recounting what happened, he said: “We were all sitting on the beach and playing around in the water. I had just gone to the washroom when it [the tragedy] happened.”

He said both Mafaz and Fathima knew how to swim and it was not clear how they were swept away.

“I think there were huge waves and they got pulled by the strong current.”

Fathima’s screams for help were heard by another beachgoer who rushed to rescue her. “He is an Arab national. He rescued our daughter. We have no words to thank him,” the father said.

However, there was no sign of Mafaz, a grade 10 student of New Indian Model School in Dubai.

Meanwhile, the police were called in. Dubai Police said they received a call about two persons drowning.

“As soon as we received the report, the rescue team from the Ports Police Station in Dubai conducted a search,” a spokesperson said. 

However, there was no luck on Friday night. The search operation was intensified with divers and drones on Saturday, following which the boy’s body was fished out on Saturday evening.

The family has decided to lay him to rest in Dubai once the legal procedures are over, said Ibrahim Berike, a member of the volunteering team from Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) that is providing supportfor the paper work.

He said the family is shattered after the devastating tragedy. “They have four children. Fathima, who is doing MBA, is the eldest daughter. Mafaz was the third child. His other two siblings are also boys. Their mother, who was also there on the beach, is inconsolable,” he added.

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