Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (MS)

Karkala, Jan 30: Bhagavath Dr Ravikumar of Saukuru Mela was conferred with Sri Kundeshwar Samman award that is presented by Sri Kundeshwara Kshetra of Hiragana in the taluk.

Speaking on the occasion, Kishan Hegde, founder of Panchamela said, "All need to play Bayalata in order to preserve and nurture the art of Yakshagana. Artistes can be felicitated by contributing whatever commoners can give. Kundeshwar Samman award has got international recognition. In the beginning when this award was started to be presented congratulatory messages had come from throughout the country and overseas though there was no social media that time. It is really laudable that a simple, brilliant Bhagavath, who has done doctorate in Yakshagana, is being recognized and felicitated."

Acknowledging the felicitation, awardee Dr Ravi Sooralu said, "Kishan Hegde is an able owner, who has paid salaries to the Yakshagana artistes even during the difficult time of coronavirus pandemic. People like him, who revere art, are the shelter for Yakshagana."

Jitendra Kundeshwara, coordinator of the cultural programme, did the congratulatory speech.

Founder of Srushti art institute Chayapathi Kanchibailu, Dhrmadarshi Krishna Rajendra Bhat, Vedamurthy Ravindra Bhat, entrepreneur Sachidananda Edamale and Ramananda Tendulkar were present.

Artistes of Saukuru Mela presented 'Pushpachandana' Yakshagana play on the occasion. Annual feast, food offering, Ranga Pooja, Bhootha Bali, Nemotsava and Samprokshane were held in Shree Kshetra.