Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Dec 1: District-in-charge minister Dr Jayamala presented the annual district level Kannada Rajyotsava awards to 28 achievers and four associations of Udupi district here on Friday, November 30 at Atal Bihari Vajapayee auditorium.
Dr Jayamala speaking on the occasion said, “While selecting the achievers for this prestigious award, we have considered their services in their respective fields. Their achievements at this age are also considered by the selection committee. The achievers’ life is a model for others. Their path of life and services are inspiration to other people. The state government could not do everything. It would be better that we could provide financial help along with the award, instead of sending them in empty hand.”
Suggesting the district administration, she said, “In coming days we should keep some amount for this purpose. The award is given recognising their dedication in particular fields.”
“This year, highest numbers of achievers selected are from Udupi. We have received around 2000 applications throughout the state. . Selection of achievers was a tough job. We selected 63 names and we have given priority to social justice, women, physically challenged etc,” she added.
She further said, “Kannada and Culture department is providing grants of Rs 1, 11, 000 for art teams. There are over 100 people who are earning 50,000 per month, continuing their inherited skill (art) for their livelihood. Let them keep up the same spirit.”
The achievers are Gopal Acharya Theerthahalli, Gopal Ganiga, Raghavendra Acharya, M H Prasad Kumar - (Yakshagana), K Narendra Pai (Agriculture), M Ismail Saheb (Education), Ramadas Palan, Manohar Shetty, Taranath Mesta Shiroor, Joseph G M Rebello- (Social Service), Barkur Hrishikesha Bayari, N Balakrishna Vaidya, (Religious scholars), Parameshwara Bhat (Music), R Shreeshadas (Harikatha), Shiriyanna (Nagaswara -music), scholar Pravitha Ashok (dance), Sheena Panara (Folk- worship of Daiva), Jayaram Neelavara, Shlagha Saligrama (Art and Cinema), Akshatha Poojari, Mrinali Sachin Shetty, Gururaj Poojari (Sports), T S Hussain (Literature), Lawrence Pinto (Architecture), Gokuldas Pai and Shekar Ajekar (Journalism).
Kannada Rajyotsava award was also presented to four associations for their dedicated service. They are Hubhashika Koragara Yuva Kala Vedike, Jaladurga Mahila Sangha-Keelanje, Sammruddhi Mahila Mandali-Cherkadi and Yuvaka Mandala-Sanoor. The representatives of the associations received the honour from Dr Jayamala.
Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis, additional deputy commissioner Vidya Kumari, taluk panchayat president Nalini Pradeep Rao and others were present during the award presentation programme.
Dr Jayamala after the programme visited Karnataka Rajyotsava awardee Hiriyadka Gopal Rao's house.
Rao (99) was supposed receive the award in Bengaluru. Due to his ill health, he was unable to attend the award function. Hence, Jayamala went to his house at Onthibettu near Hiriyadka and handed over the award.