Mysore/Mysuru: Noted craftsman and sculptor Shivaputrappa M.Badiger of Hubballi (for the year 2024) and Painter C.B. Somashetty of Telangana (for the year 2025) have been conferred with the prestigious ‘M. Veerappa Endowment’ given by the city’s JSS Mahavidyapeetha, in recognition of expertise in their respective fields.

The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 68,000 each, a ‘Swasti Vachana’ and a citation.

Shivaputrappa M. Badiger, a native of Anchatageri near Hubballi, is currently residing at Dharwad. He has more than 40 years of experience in sculpting idols of gods and deities, carving of wooden chariots and many other wooden craft work  of deities. He is also known for his clay and plaster artworks.

Painter C.B. Somashetty was born at Zaheerabad in Telengana and has settled down in Bidar. Serving as a drawing teacher for 33 years, he has more than 125 water painting works to his credit. He has also designed the cover page of several books and monthly magazines. He has drawn more than 200 paintings of Basavadi Sharanas.

About the award

The M. Veerappa Endowment Award was instituted at JSS Mahavidyapeetha in memory of renowned painter and art patron of the city, M. Veerappa, by his son Prafullachandra and grandson Satish Prafullachandra in 2015. The award is being given every year to talented painters, artists and craftsmen, who have made notable achievements in their field.