Preserving folklore is necessary for ensuring societal welfare, says Tejasvi Kattimani

Preserving folk culture for societal welfare and future generations emphasized by Vice-Chancellor Tejasvi Kattimani at convocation address.

Vice-Chancellor of Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh (CTUAP) Tejasvi Kattimani has said that preserving folk culture which reflects the completeness of life and comprises oral traditions, including traditions, rituals and belief systems, is necessary for facilitating the overall welfare of society and for the knowledge of the next generation.

Delivering the address at the eighth and ninth annual convocation of Karnataka State Folklore University at Hirethittu open air theatre of Gotagodi in Shiggaon taluk of Haveri district on Monday, Prof. Kattimani said that our ancestors treated oral traditions that comprise folk songs, riddles, puzzles, stories, proverbs and others as assets.

Prof. Kattimani wondered why despite having a long history, folk studies and research have not become a part of the mainstream. He asked folklore scholars to ponder over whether they are committing the same mistake as committed by departments having Kannada as the main subject.

Elaborating on the treasure of folklore, he said that one should understand the fact that folklore has creativity to change according to time and the Folklore University to learn the art of adapting to modern culture.

“You should remember that the future of the Folklore University depends on the livelihood capacity of folklore graduates,” he said.

Prof. Kattimani said that teaching folklore at the graduation level will help in providing employment opportunities to postgraduates in folklore.

“There is also a need for introducing folklore as one of the optional subjects in the examinations of Karnataka Public Service Commission. The government should facilitate the growth of folklore tourism with the help of the Tourism Department. Such an initiative will help folklore students to learn skills and also earn while studying,” he said.