By Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (VM)

Mumbai, Feb 22: Sha Ma Krishna Rao, prominent writer, translator, senior Kannada-Konkani litterateur from Bangalore will be bestowed with ‘Varadaraja Adya', the annual prestigious award by Karnataka Sangha, Mumbai at Dr Vishweshwaraya auditorium on Monday February 25.

The criteria for this award, is that the awardee has conducted significant and outstanding work; must have an impact on the literary or cultural fields in both Karnataka and Maharashtra States.

The award by the Sangh started in the year 1990 and so far they have presented the prestigious award to 26 people including Bharat Ratna Bhimasen Joshi, Gangubayi Hanagal, Shivanand Patel, Uma Kulkarni and several others.

The award includes a cash prize of Rs 11,000, citation and a memento.

Prominent journalist Milind Ballal will be the chief guest for the award ceremony while Dr GD Joshi, president of Karnataka Sangh will preside over the function.

As part of the entertainment, variety of dances will be presented by Guru Pavithra Bhat and team.

About Sha Ma Krishna Rao

71-year-old Sha Ma Krishna Rao hails from Belgaum; he completed his MA and BEd from Mysore University and served as a lecturer in Goa for 42 years. Currently, he is in Bangalore and is known as one of the senior Konkani-Kannada litterateur, prominent translator adding to that he has contributed immensely to Kannada and Marathi language.

Krishna Rao who can speak fluently in Marathi has done tremendous contribution when it comes to translation. He has translated 18 books of Hindi, Konkani, Marathi language to Kannada. He has won everyone’s hearts by translating the famous books ‘Kamala’ in Marathi by Vijaya Tendulkar, ‘Suryasta’ drama by Jayavantha Dalavi and ‘Thamrapata’ which is an 800 page novel by Professor Ranganath Patare.

He has also contributed immensely to Kannada, Konkani theatre. Noting his interest towards literature, he was also appointed as the president of the 11th Uttara Kannada Zilla Sammelana. So far, Krishna Rao has authored more than 90 books.