Mysore/Mysuru: Mayor Shivakumar has said that it is very essential to create awareness and provide training on self-defence among women.

He was speaking after giving away State-level awards to achiever children, women and artists at a function organised by RASA Kannada mattu Kalasamkruti Charitable Trust at District Kannada Sahitya Bhavan premises in Vijayanagar on Sunday.

“Programmes about self-defence for children and women should be organised frequently which will instil confidence among them. It is commendable that RASA Trust is organising programmes in this direction,” added Mayor Shivakumar.

Belagavi’s Rekha G. Nayak was awarded Karnataka Seva Ratna from Education sector, multi-talented children Sullia’s M.G. Shreya, Shivamogga’s B.S. Siddarth Shetty, Mysuru’s H. Shreyas and children from other districts Shivaraju, Sanjana, Amit Francis, Shreyas Pattar and Pragna were given Karnataka Balaratna awards.

The winners of State-level Sri Krishna costume photo competition held during Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Sullia’s Hartik, Padubidre’s M.N. Manya, Mangaluru’s Mayan A. Rao were given awards.

A Bharatanatyam programme was presented by Sri Marikamba Nritya Kala Kendra’s Vidushi Smitha Prakash and troupe members Tanvi Prakash, Nandini Shivakumar, Sriadya Prakash, J. Yukta, Sangeeta Acharya and Shruthi.

Later, a singing programme by Mandya’s Dr. Appaji, Madesh, Chamarajanagar’s M. Rajesh, Mahadevaswamy, Mysuru’s specially abled Lakshmikanth, Geetha Sridhar and Bengaluru’s Komal Raj was held on the occasion.

RASA President R. Eshwar presided. Ward No.47 Congress President N. Shivashankar, Trustee Hema and others were present.