Making a strong pitch for preserving and nurturing art forms, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu today relaunched the ancient dance drama 'Ashtapadiyattam' based on 'Gita Govindam' believed to be penned by 12th century poet Jayadeva, ata function here.
Classical Indian art forms should not be neglected, he said.
Naidu said while the country has preserved and nurtured its illustrious artistic heritage, unfortunately, certain classical Indian art forms remain in a state of neglect and are slowly fading.
"We must not allow this unfortunate situation to persist.. our cultural roots sustain us, make our lives richer and make our society more humane and civilised," he said.
On the significance of the function, Naidu said reviving 'Ashtapadiyattam' is like "unearthing buried treasure and it is like watering a plant that is fast losing its vitality."
The vice-president said he hoped that the dance drama would be revived in all its pristine glory, as Jayadeva would have wanted it, giving full justice to the costumes, the music and the mudras as used in the "original performance."
Calling Gita Govindam a remarkable piece of literature, Naidu complimented Sri Guruvayurappan Dharmakala Samuchayam Trust headed by 'Metro Man' E Sreedharan in taking the initiative to preserve the heritage and ancient art forms of the state.
Naidu also said Gita Govindam's unusually wide appeal comes from the story of Lord Sri Krishna and his love for Radha.
"The story of Sri Krishna has a deep resonance in Indian hearts and the composition is so lyrical and melodious that it is eminently suitable for various adaptations by musicians and dancers," he added.
Earlier, Naidu offered prayers at the famous Sri Krishna temple here.
He was inside the shrine for about 20 minutes.
State Governor P Sathasivam and Minister for Devaswom Kadakampally Surendran were among those accompanied the vice-president.
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