Mysore/Mysuru: Mysuru Sharana Mandali will confer Basavaratna Awards on five achievers from different fields — Progressive farmer K.H. Nanjappa, Senior Journalist K. Shivakumar, Social Worker A.P. Nagesh, Social Organiser Lion Venkatesh and Businessman Y. Veerabhadra — during Basava Jayanti celebrations to take place at Dr. Shivarathri Rajendra auditorium in JSS Hospital premises at 11 am on June 29.

Profile: K.H. Nanjappa, a progressive farmer from Kelasurupura in Gundlupet taluk, is credited with bringing electricity to his village in 1963. He formed a Youth Association, which got an award from the Government. He is credited with constructing a water tank in the village in 1968 for providing drinking water to households. He is also known for establishing a Milk Union, getting loans to farmers from Syndicate Bank and such other social work. He served as Chikkatuppur PACC for 30 years , as a Director of the then Mysuru-Mandya Milk Union and as President of Gundlupet Land Development Bank. He has established a Kannada Medium School in 1981 and has bagged the Best Farmer Award for his achievement.

K. Shivakumar, a senior Journalist of the city, is currently serving as the Resident Editor of Mysuru edition of The New Indian Express newspaper. A journalist with a vast experience of about 30 years, Shivakumar did his Post-Graduation in Journalism from the University of Mysore (UoM). He has got a Ph.D degree from UoM for his research on the social trauma caused by notorious forest brigand Veerappan. He is a political commentator well-versed in the political developments in Mysuru region and its history.

A.P. Nagesh, a native of Attahalli near Bannur in T. Narasipur taluk, comes from an Agricultural family. After completing his studies at Bannur and Mysuru, he joined Public Sector BEML factory in Mysuru and served as the Secretary of BEML Employees Union. Along with his work, he engaged himself in various social activities and lent a helping hand to poor students. Later on, he became a developer, formed his own APN Properties which is credited with the formation of many Layouts.

Lion Venkatesh of the city, known for his social work, is credited with giving jobs to many youths when he served as the Head of Professional Couriers in Mysuru. He has also served as an office-bearer of Lions Club, as a Journalist and as a Film Producer. He is also known for his social work during COVID pandemic, when he distributed thousands of food kits to the poor and auto drivers. He has also extended financial support to poor students for their higher studies and has bagged numerous awards and prizes.

Y. Veerabhadra, a native of Mudi village in Soraba taluk of Shivamogga district, came over to Mysuru along with his elder brother decades ago and set up the now famous Mysuru Tarpaulins shop on D. Devaraj Urs road in 1969, which is known for its wide range of bags,  vehicle covers and the like. A Philanthropist, he has donated money for many causes and has built a Shivalinga temple at his native village.

Mysuru Sharana Mandali can be contacted on Mob: 98862-95592.