Gidugu Ramamurthy Telugu Bhasha, Janapada Kalapeetham founder and retired teacher Badri Kurma Rao on Saturday urged the government to take steps to preserve traditional folk arts such as Tappetagullu, Jamukulapata, Gangireddulata and Burrakatha, as the younger generations of veteran artistes were reluctant to take up these art forms in the absence of livelihood opportunities.

On the occasion of World Day of Folklore, artistes from different places took part in a rally from Gurajada Apparao’s house to Fort Junction.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Kurma Rao said fixing an honorarium for veteran artistes, adoption of individual folk arts by major temples and setting up training institutes to encourage youngsters to learn traditional folk arts were the need of the hour.

On behalf of the Kalapeetham, he felicitated senior-most folk artistes and provided them financial assistance.