Mysuru: “Earlier, Mandya district was a  part of Mysore district. Later, it was separated and Mandya became a district centre. Both Mandya and Mysuru districts are like twin brothers when it comes to development, arts and education,” opined senior writer, retired Kannada Professor and President of Karnataka Association of Mandya Prof. B. Jayaprakash Gowda.

He was speaking at ‘Karnataka Samskrutika Kala Sambhrama’ function organised jointly by Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Kalaniketana and Sneha Sriraksha Sangeeta, Nritya, Samskrutika Academy at Jaganmohan Palace in city recently.

Achievers from various fields were presented with Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar awards to commemorate the 104th birthday anniversary of erstwhile   Mysore ruler.  

“Mysore State has contributed immensely in the development of Mandya farmers and irrigation of Mandya district. Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar by constructing KRS Dam gave priority to irrigation. He also gave thrust to education in Mysore State by setting up University of Mysore and also started various industries besides launching other developmental activities. I want to question myself whether I am qualified to receive this award given in the name of Nalwadi,” said Prof. Jayaprakash Gowda and appealed the people of Mysuru and Mandya districts to  join hands to convert the residence of the author of ‘Mysuru Mallige’ K.S. Narasimhaswamy into a memorial.”

Senior littérateur Dr. C.P. Krishnakumar (CPK), who also spoke said that the two awards serve two key purposes as they provide incentives for budding practitioners still in the early stages of their career and they express gratitude towards those who have reached advanced levels of achievements. Dr. CPK commended the recognition of meritorious individuals through awards named after Nalwadi in both fields.

Along with Prof. B. Jayaprakash Gowda, city-based poetess Dr. Latha Rajashekar and Founder-President of Spandana Cultural Council T. Satish Javaregowda were also presented Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar awards comprising Rs.10,000 cash, a silver medal and a citation.

Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar Seva Ratna awards were also presented to K.S. Trust Chairman Dr. Kikkeri Krishnamurthy, Karnataka Nataka Academy member G.P.O. Chandru, former ZP member from Varuna Gavisiddu, former Corporator K.V. Mallesh, former Forest Department Officer S. Chandrashekar, Renuka Gangappa Mallari, C.G. Gangadhar, H.N. Lokesh, former Corporator M. Pramila Bharath and musician Neelakanta Halimani Jeevargi.

President of Kuvempu Kalanikethana organisation Kuvempu Prakash who spoke at the function appealed the State Government to observe Kuvempu’s birthday as ‘Vishwamanava Dinacharane.’

Presiding Officer of Tumkur’s Narasimgiri Mutt Dr. Hanumanth Nath Swamiji, District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Maddikere Gopal and others were present at the awards presentation event.