News and pics: Renjala Kundeshwara

Daijiworld Media Network – Karkal (EP)

Karkala, Feb 24: The Venkat Rao Memorial Award given to outstanding Yakshagana artistes annually was conferred on senior artiste Renjala Ramakrishna Rao of Kateelu Mela, this year. The award was presented in Kukkundooru Durgaparameshwari Temple in the presence of Moodbidri Jain Math Swami on Saturday February 21.

Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Pandithacharya Varya Swamiji who presented the award said that Yakshagana and Talamaddale are our Sanatana traditions. Those are helpful to understand our culture. Those improve our Satwika character, he said.

Renjala Ramakrishna Rao spoke after receiving the honour and said that it is necessary to study and conduct research on the part of artist.

Chief priest Shankernarayan Bhat said that it is possible to understand Ramayana and Mahabharatha classics by Yakshagana.

Chief guest, Kannada Prabha chief reporter Jithendra Kundeshwara spoke and said that mental depression goes away and mental health improves with Yakshagana. Melas have done the work of the media besides spreading the glory of the pilgrimage centers, he said.

Vedamurthi Sadshiva Bhat, Jayakar Rao Kunjarugiri, Shanker Madiwala Shankerabettu and Shama Shetty Kodyelu were felicitated on the occasion. Managing trustee Rathnaraja Mudya presided over the programme.

Retired headmaster Jagadish Hegde, artiste Karje Sridhara Hebbar, Bailur Dr Majunath Kini, businessman Ganapathi Pai, Udaya V Shetty,Harish Nayak Kangithlu and Srinivasa Rao were present.

Beluvayi Yakshadevananda Mandali's Devananda Bhat gave a key note address. Advocate Ramana Acharya gave a congratulatory speech.Organizer Udaya Rao welcomed. Rajendra Prasad read the award certificate. Shanker Devadiga proposed vote of thanks. Prasad Aisira compered the programme.