by Shoadhan Prasad, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, Nov 26: Jnana Mandara Education and Cultural Academy run by Shri Kashi Vishwanath Trust of Bangalore has conferred Suvarna Kannadiga 2006 awards (on the celebration of Suvarna Karnataka Rajyotsava) to several outstanding kannadigas who worked for Kannada in and outside Karnataka including Gulf countries. Manohar Tonse is the only recipient of this award in gulf countries. Tonse has been selected for his outstanding contribution in Kannada Journalism/literature outside India, his contributions Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha and Billawara Balaga Abu Dhabi.

Manohar Tonse is well known name among the Kannada reporters and Kannada critics in the UAE. He has heen contributing news reports, articles, interviews of celebrities, to Udayavani, Karnataka Malla, Roopatara and several periodicals published from India for the last 15 years. Also, he is one of the active organizers of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha for the past several years who regularly performs as compere/convener for most of the programs.  Billawara Balaga Abu Dhabi, well-known organization of Billawas, was founded by Tonse with two others and is the chief organizer for the last 12 years. He served as Literary Secretary in 1996 and as Treasurer in 2003 at India Social Centre Abu Dhabi.

Apart from his Masters Degree in Kannada Literature and Commerce, he has earned two certifications namely CIA and CFSA from USA.  He is working as Senior Operations & Financial Auditor for ADCB since 1988.