A Trailblazer’s Journey: Shri Palli Somanath Hegde and His Lasting Legacy in Yakshagana and Education
On June 7, 1950, Shri Palli Somanath Hegde etched his name in the history of KPS Hiriadka by becoming the first student to join the Karnataka Public School High School (KPS Hiriadka) after moving from Shirva Hindu High School. A man of unwavering determination, he pursued his studies entirely through his own income, showcasing the spirit of self-reliance from a young age.
His journey into the world of Yakshagana, the vibrant traditional theatre form of coastal Karnataka, began in a unique way. For the first time, he rented his lorry to the Saligrama Guruprasaditha Yakshagana Mela, which was then being led by Shri P. Shridhar Hande. This association sparked a deeper interest in the art, and by the following year, Shri Somanath Hegde took full responsibility of running the troupe himself.
He drew inspiration from Shri Kalladi Vittala Shetty, a well-known Yakshagana troupe owner, and under his guidance, Somanath Hegde began building something truly remarkable. His troupe featured some of the greatest names in the art, including the legendary Late Keremane Gajanana Hegade, Mahabala Hegade, Shambu Hegade, and Late Narnappa Uppur.
Not just a custodian of tradition, Shri Somanath Hegde was also a revolutionary who broke barriers in the Yakshagana world. He gave opportunities to talented but less recognized artists, such as Kumta Govinda Naika and Late Airodi Govindappa, both of whom went on to make significant contributions to the art form. His journey was bolstered by the support of Dr. Y Chandrashekar Shetty, a respected narrator, and Shri M.M. Hegde, a prominent lawyer from Kundapura.
In 1978, another chapter of history was written when Late Kalinga Navda joined the troupe. His entry marked a turning point, adding a new dimension to the performance quality and helping the troupe reach new heights.
Shri Palli Somanath Hegde’s life is a shining example of passion, dedication, and leadership — both in education and in the cultural fabric of Karnataka. His contributions to Yakshagana and the growth of KPS Hiriadka remain an enduring inspiration for generations to come.
