Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)

Mangaluru, Feb 22: "There are many people who have made our Tulunadu proud and who have worked tirelessly to spread the name of our land throughout the world through the medium of Yakshagana. In this regard, the services rendered by great performer the late Pulincha Ramayya Shetty is remarkable," said Nalin Kumar Kateel, member of parliament from Dakshina Kannada.

Kateel was speaking as the chief guest during the occasion of Pulincha award ceremony held at Balthila Sri Karanika Kallurti temple at Balthila near Bantwal. The award has been initiated and is given by Pulincha Seva Pratistana.

'Pulincha Samsarana Grantha', a book was unveiled by Dr M Mohan Alva from Alva’s education trust. "Pulincha Ramayya wrote the history of Yakshagana in golden words. His son Sridhar Shetty’s work of recognising the talents in Yakshagana and honouring them is meaningful," Dr Alva said during the occasion.

Great Yakshagana artistes of yesteryears Mijar Annappa, Dr Kolkur Ramachandra Rao, Kumble Sundara Rao, K H Dasappa Rai, Anantha Rama Bangadi, Bottikere Purushothama Poonja, were honoured with Pulincha awards. Retired ASI Kepu Gowda and folk deity dancer Padma Pambada were honoured with Pulincha Seva Rathna awards.

Kateel Mela convenor Kalaldi Deviprasad Shetty inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp. RSS chief Prakash P S presided over. Tulu Sahitya academy former member Bhaskar Rai Kukkuvalli introduced the book on Pulincha. Legislators Shakuntala Shetty and Captain Ganesh Karnik were present.

Sridhar Shetty the managing director of Pulincha Chits proposed vote of thanks. Dayananda Kathalsar compered.