Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur

Kundapur, Dec 20: Basrur Appanna Hegde, a prominent religious and social leader, will celebrate his 90th birthday on December 24 in a grand public event.

The celebrations will include cultural performances and awards, announced Dr. Mohan Alva, president of the Basrur Appanna Hegde Birth Anniversary Committee.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday at Vakwadi Gurukul Educational Institution, Dr Alva said, “The celebrations will kick off at 6:30 pm with Dr D Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala, presenting a public tribute to Basrur Appanna Hegde. Retired vice-chancellor Dr B A Vivek Rai will present the Basrur Appanna Hegde Education Award, and scholarships worth Rs 10 lac will be distributed to students from Kundapura taluk. Assistance will also be provided to the needy.”

The evening will feature bhajans by the Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Bhajana Parishat, a play titled "Beli Mullina Neeli Hoogalu" by Mangaluru’s Journey Theatre Group, followed by folk songs.

At 8 pm, Gurukul Public School students will perform Nritya Sangama, and renowned artists will present the Kollur Shri Mookambike Dance Drama at 8:45 pm.

The event is expected to draw over 10,000 people. Notable attendees will include Basrur Appanna Hegde Pratishthana president Ramkishen Hegde, Gurukul Public School executive director Subhashchandra Shetty, and committee members Uday Padukare and Vasanth Giliyaru.