Udupi: Pejawar Swamiji Presents 'Sri Rama Vittala' Awards to 12 Achievers

Sheeja Moodubelle
Pics: Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, May 8: The 'Sri Rama Vittala' Awards instituted by Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math were presented to 12 noted achievers from various fields at a grand ceremony held at Rajangana here on Tuesday May 8.

The ceremony was jointly organized by Krishna Math, Sode Paryaya Vadiraja Math and Pejawar Math.

The awardees were Dr K P Putturaya (education), H Gopal Bhat (literature), Sampaje Sheenappa Rai (yakshagana), Ganjifa Raghupati Bhat (art), Srinidhi Kamala Bhat (dance), Vidwan Ganapati Bhat (yakshagana), Sandhya Pai (media), K Srinivasa Banninthaya (medicine), H Dundiraj (literature), Airody Govindappa (yakshagana), Halladi Jayaram Shetty (yakshagana) and Nidle Govinda Bhat (yakshgana).

Vishweshateertha Swamiji handed over the awards to winners and spoke briefly on each achiever and why he or she had been chosen for the award. The achievers were honoured with shawls, fruits, citation and cash prizes.

Addressing the gathering, Pejawar Swamiji said that the art of Yakshagana is slowly fading, and that as Kannadigas we should give more importance to our art and culture rather than only concentrating on education.

He urged everyone to come forward to help the downtrodden and added that Sri Krishna Math and maths are planning to provide free education to the needy. He also congratulated and lauded the award winners.

Medical aid in the form cheques was distributed to the needy on the occasion.

Kateel Sri Durga Makkala Mela staged a yakshagana performance before and after the award ceremony.

Narayana Saralaya rendered prayers while Prof H Krishna Bhat welcomed the gathering. Sri Vishwavallabhateertha Swamiji delivered the introductory remarks and H N Sringeshwar proposed the vote of thanks.

Sri Vishwavallabhateertha Swamiji of Sode Math presided over the programme. Sri Vishwaprasannateertha Swamiji was also present.