Mysore/Mysuru: Former Karnataka Sanskrit University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mallepuram G. Venkatesh was honoured and young writer Dr. Satyamangala Mahadeva was conferred ‘Samvahana Siri’ award at a programme organised under the joint aegis of the city’s Samvahana Trust and District Sharana Sahitya Parishat  at Sri Rajendra Bhavan on M.G. Road here yesterday.

Speaking after conferring the award, Karnataka Sahitya Academy Chairman Dr. B.V. Vasanth Kumar said that contributions made by literary personalities such as Prof. Mallepuram Venkatesh and Dr. Satyamangala Mahadeva have enriched Kannada literature. Noting that the building of a house and society would be more meaningful if it also includes knowledge, arts and literature, he said that the State never had lacked in richness of arts and literature.

Observing that the State is always being replenished with lovers of new forms of art and literature, Dr. Vasanth Kumar said it is happy to note that both Prof. Mallepuram Venkatesh and Dr. Mahadeva were honoured for treading in the path of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who was a leading light of knowledge. Stating that Prof. Venkatesh has over 80 works to his credit, he contended that most of his works were both inspiring and influential in nature.

Regretting that most of the teaching posts in Universities were vacant, he called for utilising the services of scholars such as Prof. Venkatesh for imparting  quality education to students.

Former MLC and Samvahana Trust Hon. President Thontadarya, Samvahana Trust’s D.N. Lokappa, MUDA Commissioner Dr. D.B. Natesh and others were present.