Veteran Yakshagana Artist Vasudeva Samaga Passes Away at 74
Udupi: Veteran Yakshagana Artist, a renowned performer of the Badaguthittu Yakshagana tradition, and art organizer, Malpe Vasudeva Samaga passed away at the age of 74, early Saturday morning at Manipal KMC Hospital.
His last performance had been at a weekly Yakshagana program at Alangaar in Moodabidri after which he had experienced ill health and was subsequently admitted to a private hospital near his place of residence at Koteshwar. He had tested positive for coronavirus and was undergoing treatment at the hospital. Since his health deteriorated further, he was taken to KMC Hospital at Manipal where he passed away at 4 am on Saturday, 7th of November.
Hailing from the Samaga household, a popular family of Yakshagana performers, Vasudeva Samaga’s uncle Malpe Shankaranarayana Samaga and father, Malpe Ramdas Samaga were considered as giants of the Badaguthittu Yakshagana tradition for introducing the eloquence of dialogue to this dance-oriented art form. Vasudeva Samaga, who continued the legacy of this art form was known to captivate his audience with the genius of his rhetoric and rhythm.
Apart from his expertise in Badaguthittu, he was also a successful performer of the Tenkuthittu art form.
Recognized as an all-rounder (Savyasachi Artist) in the field of Tenku-Badaguthittu Yakshagana, Vasudeva Saamaga has taken up leading roles as the protagonist, antagonist, and also some female roles in many Yakshagana performances and successfully executed each role. Vasudeva Samaga brought different perspectives into the Yakshagana art form through the execution of various roles such as that of Bhishma, Krishna, Kaikai, Dasharath, Devavratha, Kamsa, Manthare Mohini, Ambe, and captivated his audience with his performance. UttaraKumara is yet another role that is among the people’s favourite.
“Despite consistent efforts to save him, my father has succumbed to Covid”
-Dr. Pradeep Saamaga, Son of Vasudeva Samaga.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Shivakumar opposes ‘One Nation One Election’, calls it ‘unworkable’
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday strongly opposed the central government’s proposed ‘One Nation One Election’ initiative.
Shivakumar expressed his views at a dialogue on ‘One Nation One Election’ organised by the Joint Parliamentary Study Committee.
He said the plan is a politically motivated, power-centralising scheme that would seriously damage India’s federal structure by weakening states and poses a threat to the democratic system, according to a statement from his office.
As KPCC president and deputy CM of Karnataka, he categorically rejected the proposal, stating that it is being crafted to suit the convenience of those in power at the Centre.
Shivakumar said that the Karnataka Legislative Assembly had already passed a resolution opposing ‘One Nation One Election’ and read out the resolution at the meeting.
He firmly stated that it is “not a workable plan” and added that it is “practically impossible.”
“If a government falls midterm due to political instability, a no-confidence motion, or loss of majority, what is the solution?” he asked.
“Elections are held at different times in different states for different terms. Karnataka had its election in 2023, while Tamil Nadu and Kerala had theirs in 2021, and Punjab and Telangana in 2022 and 2023, respectively. How can these elections with varying schedules be synchronised?” he asked.
He added that the proposal is a ploy to suppress the voices of regional and Opposition parties.
He also said the Karnataka government does not agree with the proposal and remains committed to the position of the Congress party’s national leadership.
