Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (CN)
Moodbidri, Nov 4: Eminent scholar and critic in Kannada , Prof Madhava Kulakarni , Mysore, and renowned artist and dramatist Mohan Sona, Sonangeri , Sullia, were awarded the first ever ‘Kanthavara Sahitya Puraskara’ and ‘Kanthavara Lalitha Kala Puraskara’, respectively for their lifetime achievements, at Kanthavara Kannada Bhavana on Saturday Nov 1, on the occasion of Rajyotsava Day.
These awards have been instituted by the Mogasale Prathishtana of Kanthavara, named after Dr Na Mogasale, president, Kanthavara Kannada Sangh, also a well-known writer and organizer. The awards have been channelized through Kanthavara Kannada Sangh, by his children beginning this year.
Harikrishna Punarur, former president, State Kannada Sahitya Parishat, presided over the function. Culture patron C K Padival, Moodbidri, and Kulyadi Madhava Pai, president, Vardhamana Prashasti Peeta, handed over the awards to Kulakarni and Sona in the presence of Dr Mogasale.
Speaking on the occasion, Kulakarni pointed out that today’s critics are loaded with intellectual thoughts and lack politeness. Critics are becoming heartless and they should instead be polite enough to enhance the spirit of purchasing and reading good books, he said.
Sona expressed his heartfelt satisfaction on the concept of the unique open art gallery (‘bayalu chitralaya’), the first ever triumph in the country, making the whole village an art gallery. This was successfully implemented some 15 years ago in his native village of Sonangeri which has proved it is art that can open up hearts and unite people.
He expressed his great respect and regards for his art master Chandrashekar, Marnamikatte, Jeppu, Mangalore, present on the occasion. Punarur expressed concern over the danger of SEZ’s destroying the environment and the cultural heritage of the region. He admitted that English as a language may be essential now but the status of our mother tongue Kannada, must dominate in Karnataka.
Chief director of Mogasale Prathishtana, Niranjan Mogasale welcomed. Convenor of the award Vi Ga Nayaka, briefed about the Prathishtana and the awards. Belaadi Ramachandra Achar , secretary, Kannada Sangh, read the letters of the awards. Suresh Shetty and Manjunath Shetty, Nitte, introduced the award winners.
Mohandas Adyanthaya, president, Kanthavara village panchayat, honoured the two awardees on behalf of the panchayat. Kodavoor Shankaradas Chendkala presented a Kannada musical programme. The Department of Kannada and Culture extended special co-operation. Dr Madhava Rao, Moodukonaje, compered the event. Nyayathota Ganapathi Bhat, treasurer, Kannada Sangh, proposed the vote of thanks.