Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Oct 1: The government has decided to confer the 'Basava Puraskara' for the year 2007, on Siddaganga Math head Dr Shivakumara Swamiji.  The Swamiji, who took the path of devotion and detachment from worldly affairs in 1930, is running more than 120 educational institutions. He is into social service on a large scale and the Math has been serving food to more than 9,000 students on a daily basis. The government had honoured him with the 'Karnataka Ratna' award last year. The Basava award carries cash component of Rs 10 lac.

Dr Puttaraj Gawaia from Gadag has been selected for the T Chowdaiah National Award, which carries a cash reward of Rs. 1.5 lac. Other awardees selected by the government are, Shankara Gowda Bettadoor for Varnashilpi Venkatappa Award (painting), Bagalkot Malloja Bheema Rao for Jakanachari Award (stone sculpture), Bellary Subhadramma Mansoor for Dr Gubbi Veeranna Award (stage), Bellary Belagal Veeranna for Janapada Sri Award (folklore) while Keshav Guram from Hubli has been selected for Santa Shishunala Sharif Award (light music). These awards carry cash component of one lac rupees each.

All these awards will be presented at a function to be held in Bangalore during November this year, for felicitating the selected personalities. All the awardees will be felicitated with memento, citation, shawl, garland and fruits, a release from the office of the director, Kannada and culture department said.