Veteran Yakshagana artiste, teacher Thonse Jayanth Kumar passes away
Udupi: Veteran Yakshagana singer (bhagavatha) Thonse Jayanth Kumar, who mentored thousands of Yakshagana artistes and opened several institutions for the development of the art form, passed away on Monday morning, aged 77 years.
Son of National Award winner Thonse Kanthappa Master, an iconic artiste of the itinerant form of Yakshagana, Jayanth Kumar has contributed to the art form as not just singer but also as accompanying artiste on the percussion instrument and presenting several roles on stage in costume. He strove for the growth of Yakshagana setting up institutions to teach the art form to enthusiastic youngsters. His efforts as an ‘all-rounder’ earned him the title of ‘Yakshagana Savyasachi’.
Respected greatly for such efforts to popularize Yakshagana Jayanth Kumar was honoured with the Yakshavaridhi, Kalinga Navada, Yakshasuma and Janapada Academy awards, among others. He was also honoured by former President of India Shankar Dayal Sharma for his contributions.
He is survived by his wife Vinoda and three sons. The last rites will be held at the artiste’s house in Gopalapura in Santhekatte at 9 am on Tuesday, and the cremation will be held at the Beedanagudde grounds, with full honours to the veteran, said family sources.
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Christmas decorations vandalised by VHP activists at school in Nalbari; Tension in area
Nalbari: Tension prevailed in the Panigaon area of Nalbari district on December 24 after members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal allegedly entered the premises of St Mary’s School and vandalised materials prepared for Christmas celebrations.
According to local sources, activists of the VHP and Bajrang Dal entered the school campus ahead of Christmas and raised slogans inside the premises. It is alleged that Christmas-related decorations and materials kept within the school compound were damaged and set on fire.
Eyewitnesses said that members of the Bajrang Dal were the first to enter the campus, during which they allegedly raised slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram,” “Jai Hindu Rashtra,” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” and burnt items prepared for Christmas celebrations. The incident created panic among local residents and led to concerns over law and order in the area. No injuries have been reported so far.
The incident comes amid reports of similar acts in Nalbari town in recent days, where Christmas decorations displayed at several commercial establishments were allegedly set on fire.
Reacting to the incident, fact-checker Mohammed Zubair said on social media that VHP and Bajrang Dal activists entered St Mary’s School on Christmas Eve, raised slogans and destroyed Christmas decorations. His post drew attention to the incident and sparked wider discussion online.
Police have not yet issued an official statement on the incident. Further details are awaited.
On Christmas Eve, Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal goons entered St. Mary’s School in Panigaon, Nalbari, chanting slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” and “Jai Hindu Rashtra.” They destroyed and set fire to all Christmas decorations prepared at the school. pic.twitter.com/LQHV7FWUvz
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) December 24, 2025
