Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar receives award carrying a cash prize of Rs.5 lakh and a citation

Chitradurga: In yet another honour for late actor Puneeth Rajkumar, Chitradurga-based Murugha Mutt conferred ‘Basava Shree’ Award posthumously on him.

Murugha Mutt Pontiff Sri Shivamurthy Murugha Sharana presented the award to the late actor’s wife Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar on the occasion of Basava Jayanthi yesterday at the Mutt’s Anubhava Mantapa.  The award carries a cash prize of Rs.5 lakh and a citation.

Speaking on the occasion, Sri Shivamurthy Swamiji said that “We have presented the ‘Basava Shree’ award to our Cultural Ambassador Puneeth Rajkumar as he had made significant contribution to Kannada cinema as a child artiste, hero, singer and producer. He was a great inspiration to everyone. Puneeth through his simple living and personality had touched everyone’s heart and will always be respected and looked upon.”

Pointing out that Dr. Rajkumar’s family has contributed immensely to the Kannada Film Industry, the Pontiff said that “The whole family is an inspiration to everyone. Puneeth was selected for the award for his service and charity.”

Litterateur Dr. Rajappa Dalavayi, who also spoke, lauded Puneeth’s contribution to the film industry and society. Children gave dance performances to Puneeth’s movie songs. Basavamurthy Madara Chennaiah Swamiji, Agriculture Minister B.C. Patil,  MLA G.H. Tippa Reddy, MLC K.S. Naveen, Producer Chinne Gowda,  Chitradurga Deputy Commissioner Kavitha S. Mannikeri and others were present.