Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (SP)

Karkala, Jan 29: 'Kundeswhara Samman' award was conferred on Sri Harinarayanadasa Asranna from Kateel at Lord Kundeshwara temple, Hiragana here on the occasion of the annual festival of the temple.

The award was presented to Asranna by well-known Yakshagana stalwart, Balipa Narayana Bhagawatha.

Asranna, who accepted the honour, said that he has drawn up plans to train children in Tala Maddale performances, in addition to the current initiative of providing training to them in the art of Yakshagana. MP, Nalin Kumar Kateel, speaking on the occasion, expressed the opinion that Asranna richly deserves this award because of his valuable services in the field of Yakshagana. He felt that giving this award to Asranna is tantamount to extending honour to Kateel temple, of which Asranna happens to be the ambassador.

Local MLA, Sunil Kumar, and former MLA, Gopal Bhandary, also addressed the gathering on the occasion.

Srikanth M G, financial adviser from Bengaluru, who presided over the function, felt that interest in the art of Yakshagana needs to be kindled among the children at a young age, if the art has to flourish and get carried further by the next generation. He congratulated Asranna for working towards this end.

Ganga R Bhat, who has been serving Kundeshwar temple since the last 50 years, was felicitated on this occasion.

Programme coordinator, Jithendra Kundeshwara, welcomed the gathering. Chayapathi Kanchibail read out the citation. Krishnarajendra Bhat, Raveendra Bhat, Sudheendra Bhat, Sujnendra Bhat and Sachidananda Yedamale were present. Vadiraja Kalluraya presented the programme.