Mysore/Mysuru: JSS Mahavidyapeetha had organised award presentation, felicitation and book release programme at Navajyothi Auditorium, JSS College for Women, Saraswathipuram here on Saturday.

Minister for Kannada and Culture Aravind Limbavali felicitated and presented Sri Shivarathreeshwara Award-2019 to Mahanthappa Nandura for his Kannada work ‘Arive Pramanu’. The award carried a cash prize of Rs. 25,000 and a citation. 

Noted sea-shell artist Radha Mallappa received M. Veerappa Endowment Award-2020. The award comprised a cash prize of Rs. 68,000 and a citation. 

Well-known artist Eshwar N. Joshi of Hubballi received D.V. Halabhavi Award-2020, which carried a cash prize of Rs. 10,000, given by Dharwad-based Bellad Educational and Agricultural Foundation and a citation. 

Recipient of Kendra Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar K.S. Mahadevaswamy (Swami Ponnachi) was also felicitated on this occasion.

Limbavali released a total of five books including two English books, Basava Darshana and Heart to Heart, as well as three Kannada books, Bhakti Bhandari Basavanna, Sri Swatantra Siddhalingeshwararu and Sutturu Srimathada Granthalaya.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister lauded the self-less efforts of institutions like JSS for their contribution to the cause of Kannada and culture. 

Karnataka Sahitya Academy Chairman Dr. B.V. Vasanth Kumar briefed about the books while Kannada Book Authority Chairman Dr. Nandish Hanche introduced the awardees.

Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji and Sri Siddeshwara Swamiji of Jnanayogashrama, Vijayapura, graced the occasion. Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat President Dr. G. R. Channabasappa presided. MLA L. Nagendra was the chief guest.