Daijiworld Media Network—Sullia (RD/CN)

Sullia, Aug 24: The Sheni Award instituted by Sheni Gopalakrishna Bhat Trust, Suratkal, in Mangalore, was conferred on Yakshagana artiste Kodakallu Gopalakrishna Bhat in a function held at Desi Bhavan, Ram temple, Chokkady, near here, on Monday August 22.

Karnataka Yakshagana Academy president Kumble Sundar Rao conferred the award on Bhat during the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, Rao said that the late Sheni Gopalakrishna was a Yakshagana artiste par excellence.  “His contributions to Yakshagana are indeed significant,” added Rao.

“It’s a great honour for a Yakshagana artiste to be given the Sheni Award,” he added. Trust president Harikrishna Punaroor presided over the programme.

Vidwan Hiranya Venkateshwar Bhat delivered the felicitation address. Kateel temple priest Harinarayandas Asranna graced the occasion. Vidwan Panja Bhaskar Bhat was honoured on the same occasion.

Trust treasurer Narayan Ranga Bhat was also present and Vasudev Ranga Bhat welcomed the gathering while Vadiraja Kalluraya read the citation letter. Chokkady temple trustee Ajekar Ganapayya proposed the vote of thanks. A Yakshagana play and ‘Taalamaddale’ were held as part of the entertainment programme.