Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Oct 4: Basti Vaman Shenoy annual social service awards being given by Vishwa Konkani Kendra have been announced. This year, Bhaskar Kogga Kamath from Uppinakudru Kundapura, who is well-known for puppetry shows, and achiever par excellence in educational field, Dr Olinda Pereira, have been picked for the awards.

Olinda Pereira has served in many capacities in multifarious social and educational institutions. She is credited with founding of 'School of Social Work' in Roshni Nailaya in the city during 1960. Olinda, 93, also worked in New Delhi and Nairobi in Africa where she founded 'New Provincial House'. She also set up 'Vishwas' in the city dedicated to the welfare of senior citizens. She has been selected for Basti Vaman Shenoy Samaj Seva Awards (for Women).

Bhaskar Kogga Kamath from Uppinakudru has taken age old ‘Yakshagana Gombeyata’ a puppet show to the whole world and got appreciation from people and leaders of many countries. He has been selected for Basti Vaman Shenoy Samaj Seva Award.

Sri Ganesha Yakshagana Gombeyata Mandali, Uppinakudru, presently being run by Bhaskar Kogga Kamath, is internationally renowned.

Both will receive Rs 1 lac each, a shawl, citation etc at a ceremony to be held in Mangaluru soon.

T V Mohandas Pai of Manipal Global Educational Services, has sponsored both the awards. The awards will be conferred on the winners during the birth day celebrations of founder president of Vishwa Konkani Kendra, Basti Vaman Shenoy, at a function scheduled to be held at T V Raman Pai convention centre in the city.