Mysore/Mysuru: Expressing disappointment over the tendency to file applications for awards and prizes, Karnataka State Safai Karmachari Commission Chairman Kote M. Shivanna has batted for a system where real achievers from different fields are identified and honoured with awards.

He was speaking after inaugurating ‘Kalavidara Dasara’ and folk artists felicitation programme, organised by Sri Abhayam Foundation at Tagadur Ramachandra Rao Park in Chamundipuram here yesterday.

Stressing on the need for identifying and voluntary picking of achievers for all awards and prizes, Shivanna disclosed that some personalities approached him seeking recommendation of their names for Rajyotsava Award, which caused him embarrassment.

Maintaining that folk arts are symbolic of a healthy society, he said that folk arts are still very much a part of rural life in our country. Pointing out that Mysuru has been promoting folk artists since the times of the erstwhile Mysuru rulers, he said that such a programme must be organised in a much bigger scale next year.

More than 30 folk artists from Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts were felicitated on the occasion.

Also, women Pourakarmikas, who were involved in cleaning of  Tagadur Ramachandra Rao Park were presented with a saree and honoured.

Social worker K. Raghuram Vajpayee, Corporator M.V. Ramprasad, MUDA member N. Lakshmidevi, film producer Dr.S. Venkatesh, former Mysuru HOPCOMS President B.P. Boregowda, Kannada Janapada Parishat President Dr. Kyathanahalli Prakash, Sri Abhayam Foundation President Dr. M.S. Muralidhar Shasta and others were present.