Veteran Yakshagana 'Bhagavata' Padyana Ganapati Bhat passes away at 66
Sullya: Senior Yakshagana Bhagavata, known as the divinely gifted Yakshagana singer, Padyana Ganapati Bhat passed away due to prolonged illness at the age of 66, at his residence in Kalmadka on Tuesday.
Bhagavata Padyana Ganapati Bhat who possessed an incredible singing voice joined the field of Yakshagana in his teenage years and stayed in this field of art for more than four decades. Born on January 22, in the year 1955, Ganapati Bhat was the third son of the couple Padyana Tirumaleshwara Bhat and Savitri. He finished his formal education in his hometown. He learned the initial lessons on Bhagavatike singing staying close to his grandfather. Thereafter, he obtained classical lessons in the singing art form for 2 years with Mambadi Narayana Bhagavata. At the age of 16, he began practicing the (Bhagavatike) singing art form in the Thenkuthittu Yakshagana Stage productions.
After joining as a musician at the Chaudeshwari fair, he served as a ‘Bhagavata’ at the Kundavu Fair for 2 years. Later, he served in various fairs including Surathkal, Mangaladevi, Karnataka, Edaneeru, and Shri Ramachandrapura festivals. He stayed as the ‘Bhagavata’ for 26 years alone in the Surathkal Shri Mahammaayi Fair and served there.
He obtained great fame serving as a Bhagavata for several theatrical productions such as Sati Sheelavathi, Rani Ratnavali, Kadugali Mararama, Papanna Vijaya Gunasundari, and Bappanadu Kshetra Mahatma. He was known for his ability to understand the artistic temperament of an artist playing a role and singing in harmony with that temperament. He had a unique hold on the Naati and Bharavi Raaga (melody). Musical exercises in Yakshagana such as the rare Simhendra Medium, Khamathu, Tillana, Vasanthi, Vrindavan Shanmukhapriya, and Charukeshi are his achievements. He has adapted approximately 20 types of melodies in the Yakshagana.
He has performed in many places including Kuwait, Mumbai, Agra, and Chennai, and received honorary titles from his fans in these places. He has brought life to thousands of Kannada and Tulu Yakshagana soundtracks with his beautiful singing.
Ganapati Bhat has been the recipient of several awards including the 2007 District Rajyotsava Award.
He is survived by his wife, two sons, and a legion of friends, relatives, and admirers.
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Passing out parade held at IMA Dehradun, 491 young officers join Indian Army
Dehradun(PTI): After undergoing rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, 491 cadets participated in a grand Passing Out Parade on Saturday and will now be commissioned as officers in the Indian Army.
The spectacular parade, held at the historic Drill Square in front of the academy's Chatwood Building, was reviewed by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who served as the reviewing officer.
Along with 491 Indian cadets, 34 foreign cadets from 14 friendly countries also participated in the Autumn Term 2025 Passing Out Parade.
A total of 525 officer cadets from the 157th Regular Course, 46th Technical Entry Scheme, 140th Technical Graduate Course, 55th Special Commissioned Officers Course, and Territorial Army Online Entrance Exam 2023 Course participated in the Passing Out Parade.
The 'Sword of Honour' and gold medal for securing first place during training was awarded to ACA Nishkal Dwivedi, the silver medal to BUO Badal Yadav for second place, and the bronze medal to SUO Kamaljeet Singh for third place.
The silver medal for securing first place in the 'Technical Graduate Course' was awarded to Officer Cadet Jadhav Sujit Sampat, and the silver medal for first place in the 'Technical Entry Scheme-46' was awarded to WCC Abhinav Mehrotra.
The silver medal for the 'Special Commission Officer Course' was given to Officer Cadet Sunil Kumar Chhetri.
Among the foreign cadets, the first place in merit was secured by JUO Mohammad Safin Ashraf from Bangladesh. The Army Chief's Banner for overall best performance in the Autumn Term was awarded to Imphal Company.
As the parade concluded, helicopters showered flowers on the newly commissioned officers from the sky.
On this occasion, General Dwivedi congratulated the new officers in his address for successfully completing their training. He praised the young officers for their high level of discipline, leadership qualities, and endurance, and urged them to uphold the glorious traditions of the Indian Army and serve the nation with loyalty, commitment, and honour.
General Dwivedi said that joining the army marks the beginning of a lifelong duty and selfless service.
The parents and guardians of the newly commissioned officers were also present during the passing out parade.
