Pad-dana, Natti Hadu folk comes alive at Ravindra Kalabhavana

Mangalore, July 14: Agricultural folk artists presented the traditional Pad-dana and Natti Haadu songs at a programme organized at Ravindra Kala Bhavana in Mangalore on Saturday.

The all ladies troupe led by Koragu of Yetadka, Kasaragod and Parvathibai of Kenjur, Udupi, sang the traditional songs before the audience.

Ms. Koragu and team sang Tulu Paddanas which described the exploitation of Dalit farmers by Ballals and the escape of a Dalit girl from the clutches of a Ballal landlord who wanted to get into a physical relationship with her by luring her with material benefits.

Ms. Parvathibai and team sang a Natti Hadu song in Kundagannada language describing the killing of a woman by her husband on finding her getting intimate with another man who is not harmed by him.

'Umbali' a book authored by Devu Hanehalli was released on the occasion.

Sharing his thoughts on the book, Madhava Peraje, Head of the Deaprtment of Dravidian culture, Hampi University, Hampi, said that Mr. Hanehalli has tried to present facts contrary to the more accepted view that the situation of Dalits improved after British came to India. In fact, the feudal system and exploitation of Dalits strengthened in India during the British rule, he said.

A Narayana, Udayavani columnist and assistant professor of Azim Premji University Bangalore, Vidya Dinker, activist, were present among others.