Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Jun 6:  Five distinguished personalities of the state, Prof A R Mitra, Hasanabi Beelagi, Vishnu Naik, Prof Mallikarjun Hiremutt and Lakshman have been chosen to receive the Karnataka Sahitya Academy honorary award for the year 2008. Academy president Prof M H Krishnaiah, while announcing this at a press conference held here on Friday June 5 said the award comprises of cash component of Rs 10,000.

Prof Akki Hebbala Ramanna Mitra (A R Mitra) has contributed immensely to Kannada literature in his capacity as an able critic. Hasanabi, 73, from Beelagi from Bagalkot district has served the Vachana and Janapada literature in a significant way, Vishnu Naik from a neglected hamlet near Ankola has authored over 35 works including plays, columns, stories, editing etc. Prof Mallikarjun Hiremutt of Bisanalli, Koppal district has been chosen for the honour because of his novel 'Havana' dealing with the life and culture of Lambanis besides his travelogue and epic poetry. Lakshman hailing from Kanakapur taluk has made his presence felt with his poetry and stories, he explained.

The Academy has also selected works by 18 littérateurs for the Books Award for the year 2007. This award carries cash amounting to five thousand rupees. The award function will be held in the last week of July in Jamakhandi, he explained.