Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (EP)

Pics: Jeetendra Kundeshwara

Karkala, Jan 26: Yakshagana artiste Patla Sathish Shetty was recently conferred Kundeshwara Samman award in the temple premises.

Harinarayanadasa Asranna speaking after presenting the award said that Raghavendra Bhat and Kateel's Gopalakrishna Asranna have developed Yakshagana and shown the world that Yakshagana is a worthy art that attracts all. “The father of Patla used to beat Maddalam. Patla entered the temple as Maddalam beater and later transformed himself as the chief Bhagavatha,” he said.

After receiving the honour, Sathish Shetty said that the honour has shown that he will have to continue to do excellent work. “Kateel deity is the inspiration for my work,” he said.

Programme organizer Jithendra Kundeshwar described Patla Sathish Shetty as a great artiste. “He has tried to uphold weak artistes through Yakshadhruva Foundation. He is providing shelter to hundreds of poor artistes. The award is for him for using his resources for the development of poor,” he said.

Fortune group owner Vakwadi Pravin Shetty speaking on the occasion, said that it was a coincidence that he came to the temple and was fortunate to honour Patla.

Yakshagana artiste Ganesh Kolekadi presided over the programme. Former MLA H Goplala Bhandary, Youth congress president Mithun Rai, Yakshadhruva foundation chief secretary Purushotham Bhandary, Namma Kudla director Leelaksha Karkera, Gopalakrishna Shetty, Ganga R Bhat, Ravindra Bhat, Sudheendra Bhat, Sachidanand Edamale were present.

Sathish Shetty hailing from Bantwal was trained in Yakshagana at a very young age. He is serving as chief artiste in Kateel mela for the last twelve years.

Sujnendra Bhat said a prayer. Navin T R compered the programme. Krishnarajendra Bhat proposed vote of thanks.

Senior artiste Marcel Noronha was felicitated on the occasion.

Yakshagana led by Sathish Shetty was pleasing. Kundapur Kullappu artistes presented 'Mooru Suthu' drama.