Mysuru: Marking Basava Jayanti celebrations, Mysuru Sharana Mandali will confer ‘Basava Ratna’ awards on five eminent personalities of the city at a programme to be held at Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Bhavan in JSS Hospital premises at 11 am on May 29.

The awardees are Dr. K.S. Sadananda, Dr. H.B. Rajashekar, T.S. Chayapathi, G.S. Mamathadevi and H.K. Ramu.

Kannada Chaluvali leader Vatal Nagaraj will inaugurate the programme. State Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Dr. Manu Baligar will confer the award. Former MLA Vasu will preside.

Profile of awardees

Dr. K.S. Sadananda is a renowned cardiologist of the city serving at Jayadeva Cardiology Hospital. After earning his Medical degree from JSS College, he did his MD at Mysore Medical College and DM at Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research in Bengaluru.

He has conducted many free heart check-up camp. He has also served Cardiology Society of India, Mysuru Chapter, in various capacities.

Dr. H.B. Rajashekar is a well-known paediatrician of the city. Also a good writer, a noted orator and a cultural patron, he quit Government service after serving for 15 years. He is the Founder of Rajashekar Hospital at Nadanahalli on T. Narasipur Road. He is ably supported by his wife Dr. Latha Rajashekar, a renowned poetess.

T.S. Chayapathi, a widely known publisher of the city, is the son of Ta.Su. Shama Rao, who founded Talukina Venkannaiah Smaraka Granthamale in 1950. As a publisher, he has published more than 1,000 works of great littérateurs of yesteryears.

In recognition of his achievement, the Karnataka Government honoured him with ‘The Best Publisher’ award in 1999.

Himself a writer, Chayapathi has more than 22 works to his credit. He was recently honoured by the Mysuru District Kannada Sahitya Parishat on his 75th birthday.

G.S. Mamathadevi, a KAS Officer, is currently serving as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Cauvery Neeravari Nigam (CNN). She had earlier served in various capacities at different Departments including Textiles Department and Commerce and Industries Department. She is widely known as an honest Government Officer.

H.K. Ramu is a Government servant currently serving as a Manager at the Food and Civil Supplies Department in Mysuru.

Having been elected as the President of the Mysuru District Unit of Karnataka State Government Employees Association, a number of times, he is also the Hon. President of the State Unit of the Association.

He is credited for organising many Sports Meets for Government servants and other social activities involving Government employees.