Mysore/Mysuru:  Sculptor L. Shivalingappa and Sharana Sahitya promoter Mate Basaveshwari were presented with ‘Shakuntala Jayadeva Sharana’ award at a function organised jointly by Mysuru City and District Sharana Sahitya Parishat, Kadali Mahila Vedike and Akhila Bharatha Sharana Sahitya Parishat at Rajendra Bhavan on Saturday.

The award was presented by Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji. Speaking on the occasion, Suttur Seer said that the programme to be held on the occasion of the Golden Year celebrations of the Sri Rajendra Mahaswamiji’s coronation should not be just for a formality sake and added that a permanent programme should be initiated to mark the occasion.

Accordingly, two major decisions were taken, the first one being the establishment of Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Religious Endowment, the Seer added.

Pointing out that nobody knows about the recipients of the awards as they are selected at an informal meeting without any publicity, Suttur Seer said that there is no pressure to select anybody.

“L. Shivalingappa, who received the award comes from the family of Mysuru’s famous sculptor Siddalingaswamy and has expertise in sculpture, painting and various art forms. Through his works, he has created interest among those who have the curiosity to follow Sharanas through arts. Wherever he goes, he reserves a place for art exhibition and creates art works in a simple way so that people can understand the gist of Vachanas. He has also written the life story of Basavanna,” Suttur Seer said.

Stating that Mate Basaveshwari embraced the life of a preacher after she was influenced by the discourses of her mentor Sri Linganandana Swamiji, Suttur Seer said that it is fortunate that she is receiving the award at a place her mentor had visited.

“Mate Basaveshwari  is spreading good values and culture through her discourses to people at her place and also growing medicinal plants in the area to help the society,” he concluded.   

Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat President Prof. Maleyur Guruswamy, JSS Mahavidyapeetha Publishing Division Director Prof. Morabada Mallikarjuna, award donor (Datti Dasohi) Shakuntala Jayadeva, Sharana Sahitya Parishat City President M.G. Sadanandaiah, District Unit President Helavarahundi Siddappa, Kadali Mahila Vedike President Sharada Shivalingaswamy, Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat General Secretary S.B. Angadi and others  were present.