Mysuru: Sandhya Suraksha Trust, Atalji Samskara Bharat Pratisthan and Zilla Brahmana Mahasabha, Mysuru, together had organised a function at Sarada Vilas Centenary Hall in Krishnamurthypuram here this morning for presentation of National and State Awards, Pratibha Puraskar and scholarships to meritorious students and felicitation to social activists.

Atalji National Award was presented to former Minister and MLC Ramachandregowda by journalist Vishweshwara Bhat; R. Gundu Rao State Award was presented to Social Activist G. Ravi by KPCC Working President Dinesh R. Gundo Rao.

Social activist G.R. Vidyaranya, writers Pushpa Iyengar, K. Bhyrava Murthy, District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Dr. Y.D. Rajanna, former Presidents Maddikeri Gopal & Chandrashekar, Kannada activist Mugur Nanjundaswamy, Karnataka Sena Pade District President Tejas Lokesh Gowda and Yoga Exponent Yogaprakash were felicitated on the occasion.

Pratibha Puraskar and scholarships were distributed to 350 students who had excelled in SSLC and PUC examinations.

Former Vice-Chancellor of Kuvempu University Dr. K. Chidanandagowda inaugurated the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, former Lokayukta Justice N. Santosh Hegde observed that there were too many changes in the society. He recalled that his position as Lokayukta was an eye-opener for his career where he was exposed to ills of society like corruption and its bad impact on citizens.

He regretted that people let on bail were welcomed in society with honour. He opined that the evil of corruption cannot be removed by elders but by only student leaders who should become role models for next generation. He advised students to respect two values — contentment and humility, which alone can suppress the urge to become corrupt.

Vishweshwara Bhat released the book ‘Samaja Seveyalli Sadhakana Hejje’ written by N. Anantha.

Journalist Amshi Prasannakumar, former MUDA Chairman K.R. Mohan Kumar, Social Activisit K. Raghuram, English Professor S. Susheela, Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Mahasabha Senior Vice-President B.V. Manjunath, Sarada Vilas Institutions President Parthasarathy, Zilla Brahmana Mahasabha President B.R. Nataraj Jois and others were present.