News and pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (EP)
Mumbai, Mar 22: Billavara Association Mumbai monthly magazine 'Akshaya' presented its 'Guru Narayana Literary award for 2016' sponsored by honorary chief editor M B Kukyan to senior author Mitra Venkatraj. The programme was held at Narayanaguru auditorium, Billava Bhavana, Santacruz east on Tuesday evening, March 21.
National Billavara Maha Mandala president, Bharath Bank executive president Jaya C Suvarna lit the traditional lamp and set the programme in motion. Association president Akshaya managing editor Nithyananda D Kotian presided over the programme. Senior author and critic Dr Vishwanath Karnad was the chief guest. Kannadiga Patrakartara Sangha Maharastra president Chandrashekar Palethady who was present as guest of honor presented Rs 25,000 cash, the award panel certificate and Narayanaguru Literary award and congratulated Mitra Venkatraj.
“M B Kukyan, former honorary chief editor of Akshaya Magazine joined the team as editor for six months but continued to work for 25 years. Akshaya magazine and Billava Association earned respect on account of him. The award donated by him is a noble gesture in the literary world,” said Jaya Suvarna.
Association vice president Bhasker V Bangera, Shankera D Poojary, Dr U Dhananjaya Kumar, chief treasurer Mahesh C Karkala, women's wing executive president Shakuntala K Kotian present on the stage congratulated Mitra Venkatraj.
Dharmesh Salian of Akshaya monthly, Kusuma C Poojary, Sathish N Bangera, Santhosh K Poojary, Mamatha R Naik were present. Chief secretary of the association, Dharmapala G Anchan welcomed and gave the keynote address. Swathi Moolya, Yashoda Nayak and Jyothi Suvarna sang a prayer song. Akshaya monthly editor Dr Ishwar Alevooru introduced the guests and read the message from sponsor of the award, M B Kukyan. Dharmesh Salian compered the cultural programme. Assistant editor Harish K Hejmady compered the programme and read the letter of appreciation. Jayarama G Naik proposed the vote of thanks. The association children performed a cultural programme and dances.
The association's Bhivandi local committee members performed 'Mayakada Mani', a historical drama.