Dharwad: Folklore is not like stagnant water. With the changing times, folklore too is undergoing cosmetic changes. The opinions such as folklore is on the verge of extinction due to the onslaught of western culture and youths distancing from studying it, are completely false, said senior folklore expert Somshekar Imrapur.

Presiding over the inaugural session of Janapada Samavesha organised by the Basava Shanti Mission in association with Kannada & Culture Department in Dharwad, Imrapur said the culture of the land was reflected in all the festivals celebrated here. Janapada is not just for entertainment but it has a very strong message of national integration and human values, he added.

“Of late, a new trend of singing folk songs on the tunes of western and film song style has set in. However, the protectors and promoters of folk songs should keep the originality of the folk songs and sing them according to their original tunes,” he noted.

Speaking after inaugurating the programme, District In-charge Minister Vinay Kulkarni stated that the rich Indian culture and tradition was hidden in folklore. “However, due to various reasons, today, folklore is facing a severe threat. The folklore has been confined only to the four walls of the house and hence, it has failed to get global recognition.

To protect this art, even an university has been opened and the government too is giving annual awards to those who are putting in efforts to conserve folklore. The younger generation too should uphold the culture of the region,” he added.

Belagavi DCC Bank Director Panchangouda Dyamangoudar, NWKRTC Chairman Sadanand Dangannavar, former MLA Chandrakanth Bellad, Mahadev Horatti, Basalingayya Hiremath and others also spoke.