Awards presented; achievers honoured

Mysore/Mysuru: Chamundeshwari MLA G.T. Devegowda (GTD) has said that Rashtrakavi Kuvempu’s contributions to Kannada literature is extraordinary and he will appeal the Central Government to posthumously award ‘Bharat Ratna’ to Poet Laureate Kuvempu.

He was speaking at a function organised to inaugurate Kuvempu Vokkaligara Kshemabhivruddhi Trust at Jayamma Govindegowda Kalyana Mantapa in Kuvempunagar on Friday.

Presentation of awards, Pratibha Puraskar and felicitations to achievers and sportspersons were also part of the inaugural function of the Trust.

GTD said that the life and literary works of Kuvempu continues to inspire generations and we all must try to spread Kuvempu’ s legacy across the world.

“The achievements of Kuvempu in the field of literature are huge and he deserves to be honoured by presenting ‘Bharat Ratna’ in recognition of his contributions to the literary world. I will soon submit a memorandum to both the Central and the State Governments in this regard,” said the MLA.

Former Justice N. Gopal Gowda, in his speech, said that Kuvempu has propagated the concept of Universal Man (Vishwa Manava). “Kuvempu’s style of poetry gave a new dimension to Kannada literature. It is good that a Trust has been formed in Kuvempu’s name to engage in social activities and to felicitate achievers,” he added.

Awards presented

On the occasion, Kuvempu Samskruthika Prashasti was conferred on former Justice N. Gopal Gowda, retd. IAS Officer T. Thimmegowda, littérateur Dr. C.P. Krishnakumar, former Vice-Chancellor Dr. K. Chidananda Gowda and former Under Secretary M.K. Venkataramu.

Samaja Seva awards were given to businessman Govindegowda, Vishwamanava Trust  President Prof. B.K. Chandrashekar Gowda, social worker Mellahalli Boregowda and Adichunchanagiri Branch Mutt’s devotee N.G. Narayana.

Also, Vaidya Ratna awards were given to Cardiologist Dr. Arun Srinivas, Suyog Hospital Founder Dr. S.P. Yoganna, Obstetrician Dr. Sarala Chandrashekar and Neurologist  Dr. Shushrutha Gowda.

Civic workers were felicitated at the function and Prathibha Puraskar were given to talented students for scoring high marks in SSLC and PUC examinations. Sportspersons were given prizes in memory of Kempeeregowda.

Adichunchanagiri Branch Mutt’s Sri Someshwaranatha Swamiji, Vishwa Vokkaliga Mahasamsthana Pontiff Dr. Nischalanandanatha Swamiji, Sri Ramakrishna Ashram’s Swami Muktidanandaji, Legislators T.S. Srivatsa & C.N. Manjegowda, former MUDA Chairman C. Basavegowda, Trust President H.K. Ramu, Vice-President K.M. Chandregowda, Convenor Vijayendra Bookanakere and other office-bearers were present.