Silvester D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Brahmavar (SP)
Brahmavar, Oct 11: "Many talents remain hidden in villages. We have to try to bring these talents out. People like Dr Karanth inspire us to do such things," said Girish Bharadwaj, who has earned the name, 'Toogusethuvegala Harikara (one who has heralded hanging bridges) because of his intense interest and achievements in building hanging bridges for the hamlets and villages which are cut off from the mainland.
He was speaking at a programme organized at Kota on account of Dr Shivaram Karanth’s birth anniversary and to confer the 'Huttoora Prashasti - 2021' on Sunday October 10. The award is instituted by Kotathattu gram panchayat and Dr Shivaram Karanth Huttoora Prashasti Foundation Kota in association with Dr Shivaram Karanth Trust Udupi. The award was given annually for the 17th consecutive year.
"Nowhere else you can find the affection which is found in villages. I have seen lot of love and affection in my life. Every novel authored by Dr Karanth has portrayed meaningful lives, as Dr Karanth imbibed his experiences in discharging the duties of his life. I owe my achievements to my parents, teachers and co-workers," he said.
Speaking after inaugurating the programme, state minister for social welfare and backward classes, Kota Srinivas Poojary, noted that Dr Karanth had excelled in several spheres by being an author par excellence, rebel poet, and artiste and also as an environmentalist. We have taken a pledge to make this great personality's memory etched in the minds of the people for ever, and towards this end, Dr Shivaram Karanth's tomb modelled after that of Kuvempu, will come up. He also sought cooperation of locals in widening of the road leading to Dr Karanth Theme Park and also to develop the theme park further.
Kotathattu gram panchayat president, Ashwini /Dinesh, presided over the programme. The award was presented by Udupi district deputy commissioner, Kurma Rao.
Progressive farmer Raveendra Aithal Parampalli, convener of the award selection committee U S Shenoy, young singer Suresh Karkada and composer of songs Harish Vaddarse, were honoured.
Kumar Bekkeri, official of Kannada and culture department Udupi, executive officer of Brahmavar taluk panchayat E O H R Ibhrahimpura, Kannada Sahitya Parishat former president Neelavar Surendra Adiga, manager of the theme park Poornima, Saligrama, town panchayat president Sulalta Hegde, Kota gram panchayat president, Ajit Devadiga and others participated as chief guests. Working president of Karanth Hauttoora Prashasti Foundation, Anand C Kunder, welcomed.
Narendra Kumar Kota, secretary of the foundation, delivered introductory address. Theme song was sung by a trustee of the foundation, Ravi Karanth. Convener of the selection committee U S Shenoy, gave details of the awardee in detail. Head of Saligrama Makkala Mela, H Sriodhar Hande, praised the award winner in Yakshagan style. Trustee of the foundation, Satish Vaddarese, presented the programme. Development officer of Kotathattu panchayat, Shyla S Poojary, proposed vote of thanks.
Before the programme, Bharadwaj was led to the venue of the programme in a grand procession that started from Kotathattu gram panchayat office. On this occasion, a garland was offered to the bronze statue of Dr Karanth.
On this occasion, a painter from Kotathattu, Shivaprasanna Bhandary, presented a painting of Girish Bharadwaj he created to the awardee and unveiled the same.