Bengaluru: Dr. P.G. Halkatti Foundation has announced a new Annual National Award for distinguished contributors in the field of literature, academics and philanthropy to commemorate Vachana Pitamaha Dr P.G. Halkatti’s birth anniversary which falls on July 2.

The decision to institute the National Award was taken by the Trustees of the Foundation, Sheela Hara Halkatti, grand daughter-in-law of Dr. P.G. Halkatti and Pavithra Halkatti, a businesswoman, lawyer, social entrepreneur and philanthropist and the great grand-daughter of Dr. P.G. Halkatti.

The announcement was made in the presence of Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, Justice Shivraj Patil and Nadoja Dr. Manu Baligar in Bengaluru recently. The National Award comprises a cash reward of Rs. 1 lakh, a trophy and a citation.

The awardees will be selected by Dr. Manu Baligar along with the members of Halkatti Foundation.

Born in the year 1880, Vachana Pitamaha Dr. P.G. Halkatti was a lawyer, politician, a towering literary figure and a social reformer who dedicated his life for spreading the ideals of Shiva Sharanas. He started various institutions for the cause of education such as ‘Veerashaiva Shikshana Fund,’ ‘Veerashaiva Vidyavardhaka Sangha,’ ‘Siddeshvara Middle School’ and many more.

He also established the first Co-operative Bank ‘Siddeshvara Bank’. He gave up his legal practice and dedicated his entire life for the cause of Vachana literature and established BLDEA (Bijapur Lingayat Education Association) on Oct. 23, 1910. Today, BLDEA is a leading education organisation in North Karnataka region with a legacy of more than 100 years and 75 education institutions under its banner.