Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (SP)

Karkala, Jan 25: The prestigious 'Sri Kundeshwar Samman' award was conferred on well-known Yakshana artiste, Lokesh Muchchoor, who is popular for his depiction of 'Pundu Veshas', during the annual car festival of Hirgana Lord Kundeshwar temple. Lokesh is currently serving as an artiste of Kateel Mela.

The award was handed over by acclaimed Yakshagana artiste, Balipa Narayana Bhagwat, to the awardee. He also conveyed his blessings to the awardee.

Prakash Anchan Daddalakadu, architect of 'One Country - One Education' national campaign, who presided over the award function, expressed the view that saving government schools automatically results in the conservation of culture, art, and heritage of villages. He also requested people to send their children to government schools.

Local MLA, V Sunil Kumar, hailed the religious places for extending encouragement to art, culture, literature etc through felicitation to artistes and achievers.

Programme coordinator, Jitendra Kundeshwar, delivered congratulatory address. "Muchoor was born in abject poverty, and without the help of any godfathers, came up on his own, and has been widely known as 'Dhigina Veera' among Yakshagana fans. Muchchoor, who spends the entire night on Yakshagana stage, works not less than eight hours the next day in hotel. He happens to be a man who is genuinely dedicated to hard work," he hailed. Jitendra also appreciated Muchchoor, who belongs to poor and backward class, for rising above the ordinary in life and becoming a shining star in Yakshagana field. He also said that Muchchoor is a role model for others.

Director of 'Namma Kudla', Leelaksha Karkera, also addressed the gathering.

Member, Uday S Kotian, Ganga Raghavendra Bhat of the temple, chief priest, Krishnarajendra Bhat, Vedamurty Raveendra Bhat and Sachidananda Yedamale were present.

On this occasion, veteran Arthadhari, Nadibettu Dharmaraja Kattada, was extended honorary felicitation.

Yakshagana

The Yakshagana episode, 'Veera Abhimanu', which was presented on the occasion with the coming together of famous Yakshagana artistes from coastal Karnataka in association with Kannada and culture department, came in for lavish praise.

'Srikrishna Leele' enacted by Kadri Bala Yaksha group that was coordinated by Ellur Ramachandr Bhat, entertained the audience.

Humorous Tulu play, 'Mange Malpodchi' with Aravind Bolar in the lead role, was presented on the occasion by the artistes of 'Lakumi' troupe.