‘Yakshagana is a catalyst of change’ News Network February 9, 2021 Moodbidri: Yakshagana was used as a catalyst of change even during the 1950s. Development messages on agriculture, health, environment, rural development, family planning, literacy were disseminated through Yakshagana prasangas, said Padmanabha K.V., assistant professor in journalism at University College of Arts, Tumkur University. He was addressing journalism students at the Department of PG Studies in Journalism and Mass Communication at Alva’s College on ‘Development support communication in India: Challenges and suggestions’ recently. Prasanagas on agriculture, organic farming such as Grow More Food, Japani Krishi Vijaya, Rashtra Vijaya, Krishi Mahime, Nellura Gella, Akshara Vimochane, Vidya Vijaya on literacy, Sasya Sandhana, Nisarga Sandhanam on Environment, Ileyannana Kathe (series of prasanagas on various issues), Mitha Santhanada Mahime on family planning, Thambaku Mahathme on health were performed. ‘Palaandu Charithre’ which was performed during Covid- 19 pandemic highlighted the conflict of social classes, he said adding that the roles of strong opinion leaders in these prasangas promoted positive changes in the society.