Sandesha Kannada Literature Award 2009—S Amoora, Dharwad

Born in Bommanahalli of Uttara Kannada, Amoora is an MA and has a doctorate in English. Having retired as a lecturer, at the age of 85, he now resides in Dharwad.

He has made a critical analysis of the works of leading Kannada writers, and traced the history and progress of Kannada short stories and novels. His books include criticisms of works by poet Milton, A Na Kru, Bendre, Sri Ranga and others. He has also brought out a volume of short stories in Kannada. Amoora is the recipient of many awards including the Karnataka Sahitya Academy award, Indian Languages Parishat of Kolkata award, and the A Na Kru award.

Sandesha Konkani Literature Award 2009—Fr Prashanth Madtha

Named one of the 50 ‘Pioneers of Change’ by India Today magazine, 60-year-old Fr Madtha is known as ‘Kannada’s Roget’ for his monumental work ‘Pada Nidhi’. He has made contributed greatly to Konkani literature with his collection of Konkani idioms ‘Pikolim’. He introduced Konkani as an optional second language in degree classes, making St Aloysius College the only one in Karnataka to have this facility.

Fr Madtha also introduced a post-graduate diploma correspondence course in Konkani for the benefit of Konkani lovers. He is well-known through his columns and articles in Konkani periodicals. At present, he is the principal of St Joseph’s Evening College, Bangalore.

Sandesha Tulu Literature Award 2009—Manu Idya, Suratkal

Popularly known as ‘Manu Idya’, Janardhana Salian has enriched Tulu literature with his dramas. Born in Mulky, he debuted in Tulu theatre as the hero of ‘Bolli Moodund’ written by Sanjiva Dandekeri. He took up writing lyrics and also directed Tulu dramas. Manu Idya has written more than 15 dramas and translated a few from Kannada to Tulu. He has won several prizes and awards for his acting, direction, and lyrics. Currently he also contributes time as a resource person in seminars and training programmes in the field of Tulu theatre.

Sandesha Art Award—Dr Master Hirannayya, Bangalore

Born in 1934 as the only son of comedian late K Hirannayya of the  Hirannayya Mitra Mandali, he trained in dramatics under his father and on his  father's death, took over as director, actor, and playwright of the  drama troupe. His elder son Babu Hirannayya, a BE degree holder, is following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father.

His dramas ‘Lanchaavatara’, ‘Nadu Beedi Narayana’, ‘Kapi Mushti’, ‘Anaachaara’, and ‘Bhrastaachaara’, have not only entertained Kannadigas, but have also awakened them to reality. ‘Lanchaavatara’ has more than 10,000 shows to its credit and even after 46 years, is still popular with audiences. He has toured all over the world and put up plays at the invitation of his admirers. He is also the recipient of several honours and awards. Karnataka State Open University has conferred on him an honourary doctorate of literature.

Sandesha Cinema/TV Award 2009—Harini S Rao

Daughter of Paniyadi Shrinivasa Upadhyaya of Udupi, Harini made her debut in the Kannada film ‘Jaganmohini’ and was recognized as a talented actress. She has acted in about 35 films, and is still a household name in Karnataka for her superb acting skills. ‘Mangala Gauri’, ‘Kanyadaana’, ‘Dharmavijaya’, and ‘Nandadeepa’ are some of her films which are fresh in Kannadigas’ minds. She has been awarded the national award for acting and her film ‘Naandi’ has won national acclaim.
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After retiring, she produced ‘Naandi’ with her brothers, comedian Vadiraj and Jawahar. This film is acclaimed as the forerunner of the new wave films in Kannada. Harini’s film ‘Namma Makkalu’ was the first Kannada film to win the Filmfare Award.

Married to ISRO scientist Dr B S Rao, she has travelled all over the globe. She is also the winner of the Rajyotsava Award.

Sandesha Journalism Award 2009—Vishnu Naik, Ankola

Born in Ambaarakodlu of Uttara Kannada, Vishnu Naik has brought fame to his small village through his poems, dramas, journalism, his publishing house, and stage work. He is also the first graduate from his small village.

He has to his credit, 12 collections of poems, eight plays, 10 books of critical analysis, and through his Raghavendra Prakashana he has published 180 books. Among them are 10 books containing the articles of the late Gaurish Kaikini.

Vishnu Naik has been very active in the field of Kannada journalism for the past 45 years. Beginning from Dinakar Desai’s ‘Janasevaka’, he has been actively involved in ‘Vishala Karnataka’, ‘Mungaru’, ‘Karavali’ ‘Munjaavu’, and ‘Munnade’ and has won the ‘Best Rural Reporter Award’ from ‘Mungaru’ daily. He also started his own weekly ‘Sakaalika’ and worked for the betterment of his district and of the state.

Among the honours conferred on him are the Rajyotsava Award, Ideal Teacher State Award, Best Publishing House Award, ‘Bendre Kaavya’ award and others.

Sandesha Media Education Award 2009—Mandya Ramesh, Mandya

After being initiated into theatre under the direction of Ashok Badaradinni, Mandya Ramesh has continued his work in acting, direction, and training youth in dramatics and organizing them, for the past 26 years. He has toured all over the country as a member of ‘Ninaasam’ and B S Karanth’s ‘Ramgayana’ and has played a great role in Mandya’s literacy campaign by participating in street plays. He has served as the resource person of the State Resource Centre and directed documentaries on teenage problems. Mandya Ramesh is the founder-director of Natana Drama School in Mysore. He has also established a drama stage where plays are performed regularly.

His summer camps for children known as ‘Rajaa-Majaa’ are very popular. He is the winner of several  awards, trophies, and honours.

Sandesha Education Award 2009—K K Pejavar, Kulai

K K Pejavar has been serving in the field of education for the past 28 years and has worked for the all round development of the students under his care. Presently, he is the headmaster of Venkatramana Higher Primary School, Kulai.

He has great interest in science and has been helping students prepare inexpensive models of scientific instruments like telescope, and microscope. Pejavar has also been a resource person for conferences and seminars for students and teachers. He has trained the students in dramatics through his students drama troupe ‘Swara Ranga’, and has won several prizes for his troupe. He has developed an interest in his students for hobbies like preparation of dolls, Origami, mask preparation, and the like. He has won several awards and prizes.

Sandesha Special Recognition Award 2009—The Little Sisters of the Poor, Mysore

The Home for the Aged in Mysore was started in 1971. These Sisters follow the example of their founder St Jean Jugann who cared for helpless patients by keeping them in her house. The Home has served 924 aged persons since then and 110 Sisters have served them.

The Home admits men and women above the age of 65 years. To help them lead a peaceful life with dignity and self-respect, they are provided all necessary facilities. The Sisters meet the daily expenses of the Home by seeking charity and help from people in the locality, following the example of their founder. They have several houses in India including Mangalore.

Mother Anita Rose is the superior of the Mysore Home at present.