Daijiworld Media Network-Karkala (RJP)

Karkala, Jan 26: Kundeshwara Samman award was presented to famous comedy actor Kumta Muroor Ramesh Bhandary at Sri Kundeshwara temple in Hirgan near Karkal on January 23.

The feast took place from January 21 to 23 at the Kundeshwara temple. The presentation was done on the final day of the feast.

Sunil Kumar, the MLA of Karkal said during the presentation “When the present youth are said to be turning towards drama and cinema, it is praiseworthy to see the Yakshagana the famous form of art of the region is also attracting a significant number of the youth population.”

Former legislator H Gopala Bhandary said “Keeerthishesha Raghavendra Bhat has contributed greatly to Yakshagana and religion spheres. He is a role model to the youth. This award should encourage other artists to perform in local art forms.”

The convener of the selection committee of the award, Jitendra Kundeshwara said in his congratulatory message “We are happy to see the artists nurturing Yakshagana which is in their blood. Ramesh Bhandary started his artistic journey very early in life. Leg pain troubled him a lot in between. But he recovered and performed to entertain people. He is now considered as a great comedian. The void left by Salmodu and Kolyuru has been filled by him successfully.”

The recipient of the award Ramesh Bhandary who spoke later said “I have received divine blessing in the form of this award from the temple. Spectators are the backbone of Yakshagana.”

Shankaranarayana Bhat from Kukkundur Sri Durgaparameshwari temple, Ganga R Bhat wife of late Raghavendra Bhat and Kadari Ravindra Nayak the president of Rajapura Co operative society were present.

Dharmadarshi Krishna Rajendra Bhat, Priest Ravindra Bhat, Businessman Siriyanna Shetty, Sudheendra Bhat from Indian Express, Snujendra Bhat from Spandabnavahini wished the recipient the best.

Bharani Sadashiva, Shankara Ambelkar, Prakash Wagle and Prashanth Wagle were present and helped the organizers during the occasion.