Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (EP)

Bantwal, Aug 13: Tulu literator Jayanti S Bangera was felicitated with Tulunadu Tulu sri award by Aladapadavu Akshara Pratistana on the eve of their tenth anniversary celebrations.

In the Aatidonji Koota programme held at Moodupadukodi Higher Primary School under the joint aegis of Bantwal area education department, school development and supervision committee, ICYM Siddakatte chapter and Akshara Pratistana, the state minister of forests, ecology and environment and Dakshina Kannada in charge minister B Ramanath Rai gave away the award.

The minister who spoke on the occasion lauded the traditional programmes held during the month of ati and welcomed them saying that the efforts of the groups to enable the youth know the rich tradition of the region are praiseworthy.

He also appreciated the efforts of Akshara Pratistana Sanghatane to have maintained the tradition of awarding Tulunadu sri award every year for the last ten years.

The aatidonji koota programme is being held in all the schools in Bantwal as suggested by the education officer and the programme was held at taluk level by holding it in the schoold.

The minister inaugurated the programme by filling paddy seeds in a pot.

Dr Ramakrishna S, president of Akshara pratistana, presided over the programme.  Education officer Sheshashayana Karinja, retired deputy tahsildar Raghupathi Shastri, industrialist Pius Rodrigues, Kamalaksha Gatty, school development committee president Ramesh Gowda, Headmaster Shivapa Poojary etc were present on the occasion.

Daiva narthana artiste Booba Parava was felicitated on the occasion.  Gram panchayat member Rajeev Shetty welcomed the gathering.  Convenor of the pratistana, Gopala Anchan gave a key note address.  Director Ratnadev Poonjalkatte thanked.  Secretary Nayanadu conducted the programme.