Mysuru: Gadag-based tabla artiste Pandit Sharankumar Guttaragi was conferred with the prestigious Pandit K.S. Hadapada Award-2025 at a programme organised under the aegis of Sri Guru Puttaraja (SGP) Sangeetha Sabha, Mysuru, marking the 19th death anniversary of  Pandit Hadapada  at Ganabharathi’s auditorium in Kuvempunagar here on Sunday.

Speaking after conferring the award, former national wrestler Shankar S. Kaligonnavar said that Pandit K.S. Hadapada belonged to his (Shankar) village Mallapur in Ron taluk of the now  Gadag district and made name and fame as a renowned tabla artiste. He noted  that Hadapada is a model and guide to achievers in the field of music.

EqualizeRCM-India Chairman and TiE Mysuru President Bhaskar Kalale, who spoke after inaugurating the programme, said that Pandit Sharankumar Guttaragi, who has years of experience in playing tabla, had the greatness to keenly watch the tabla performance by youngsters and children at the stage. 

Pointing out that Guru Puttaraja Sangeetha Sabha President Bhimashankar Bidanur is one among the best Gurus in tabla, he said that his disciples were fortunate enough to learn from such a maestro. “My son too learnt from Bhimashankar and has earned applause from Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri for the  flawless technique that he displayed at a musical concert,” he added.

Awardee Pandit Sharankumar Guttaragi presented a tabla concert on the occasion. Also, students of SGP Sangeetha Sabha presented a mass tabla performance. NIE faculty Dr. C.K. Sanjaykumar, Sabha President Bhimashankar Bidanur and others were present.