World Folklore Day Celebration at Vidyodaya Pre-University College, Udupi

Vidyodaya Pre-University College, Udupi, in association with Kannada Janapada Parishath (Kannada Folk Academy), Bengaluru, and Kannada Janapada Parishath – Udupi District and Taluk Unit, organised the World Folklore Day Celebration and Kannada Folk Rajyotsava Programme on 14th November 2025 at the college auditorium.

The programme began with a soulful prayer rendered by Shubhang of I G and Achinthya of II B, followed by a warm welcome by Sri Sandeep Kumar, Principal, Vidyodaya Pre-University College, Udupi. The introductory address was delivered by Dr. Ganesh Gangolli, District President of the Kannada Janapada Parishath, Udupi District Unit, and recipient of the Karnataka Folk Academy Award 2024.

The event was inaugurated by Sri K. Ganesh Rao, Secretary of the Vidyodaya P.U. College Management Committee and President of the programme. In his presidential address, he highlighted the importance of preserving folk arts, music, and the rich cultural traditions of folklore.

A folk song competition was conducted as part of the celebration, and the winners were honoured with cash prizes. Dhanyashree V. Acharya, a student of the college who scored 125/125 in Kannada in the SSLC Board Examination 2024–25, was also felicitated with a cash award.

The chief guests for the programme were Mrs. Maya Kamath, President of Kannada Janapada Parishath, Udupi Unit, and Mr. Raghavendra Karvalu, Secretary of the same unit.

Smt. Nitha Prabhu, social worker and founder of the Vatsalaya Team, Udupi, also graced the occasion.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Sri Nagendra Aithal, Lecturer, Department of Kannada, and the programme was compered by Smt. Anupama I., Head of the Department of English.