Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Nov 11: Founder of Kudmi Janapad Kala Vedika, M.Gopal Gowda of Patlachil, Yedapadav has been awarded this year with Rajyosthava District Level honour for his contribution to Kudmi Folklore.

Born in 1955m, Gowda is an accomplished Kudmi Folklore artiste. His troupe is well known in the world of folklore with more than 200 performances rendered in India. Gowda's research on Kudmi folklore is remarkable.

Gowda is the first ever Kudmi writer.Many of his research write-ups have appeared in Konkani and Kannada periodicals, research magazines and in text books.

Gowda has presented his research papers at several seminars and symposiums and presented shows on Doordarshan. His troupe has been granted Scholarships by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

Gowda was awarded with 'Janapad Prashasti'in 2002 by the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Akademi. He has been honoured by more than 17 cultural organizations.

He is a guide and a resource person for several folklore enthusiasts who have come to him from distant lands like Germany, Switzerland, Canada, England.

His writings and publications are a treasure-trove of Kudmi history, dialects, sects, their culture with traditions and beliefs.

Gowda a man of very humble and simple nature, presently works as the Librarian in the Konkani Institute of St.Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru.