Mysore/Mysuru: Noted Sugama Sangeeta artiste H.R. Leelavathi was awarded ‘K.S. Narasimhaswamy Kavya Gayana Prashasti‘ for the year  2020 at an event organised jointly by K.S. Narasimhaswamy (KSN) Trust and Kannada and Culture Department, Mandya District, at Kirurangamandira in Kalamandira premises in Mysuru yesterday.

The award was presented to the senior artiste by B.R. Purnima, Commissioner, Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage.

Speaking on the occasion, KSN Trust President Dr. Narahalli Balasubramanya said that Leelavathi had contributed immensely to the field of music but Sugama Sangeeta had been unfair to her.

“Even after having authored over twenty literary works, she did not gain enough recognition in the literary circles as she did in the field of music. Her music overshadowed her writing,” he added and called upon everyone to unite to build Kannada.

“It is not necessary that only those studying Kannada literature must write stories and novels. Involvement of people from every field into writing will enhance Kannada’s glory,” Dr. Narahalli Balasubramanya opined.

He suggested the Department of Kannada and Culture to provide Fellowships to award-winning littérateurs and young writers in order to help them come out with new literary works.

On the occasion, an introductory book on H.R. Leelavathi was released by Prof. M. Krishnegowda, former Principal of St. Philomena’s College.

Kannada and Culture Department’s Joint Director V.N. Mallikarjunaswamy, author Dr. Rohini Mohan, K.J. Narayana Kikkeri and others were present.