Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (SP)

Karkala, Jan 25: During the annual car festival of Lord Kundehwara temple at Hirgana near here, 'Sri Kundeshwara Samman' honour was extended to 'Yaksha Chandrike', Shashikanth Shetty Karkala.

Kishen Hegde, convener of five Yakshagana Melas and member of Karnataka Yakshagana Bayalata Academy, who did this honour, hailed Shashikanth Shetty for winning acclaim and recognition in the field of Yakshagana at a young age, and staying away from vices. "Like in Yakshagana field, in his real life too, Shetty is a model personality," he said.

"Saligrama Mela is on the threshold of entering 50th year of its existence. Our artistes have been performing well. When the decision to confer 'Kundeshwar Samman' honour was announced, well-wishers from the country and abroad had called me to congratulate me. I am proud that this honour has been extended to a worthy artiste," he added.

Coordinator of the programme, Jitendra Kundeshwar, congratulating the artiste, hailed Shashikanth as a simple, noble person who has emerged as an excellent artiste of Badagu Thittu. He also appreciated Shetty for having acquired excellent dialogue delivery skills, maintaining traditional flavour in his dance steps, and emerging at the top among artistes who are known to have exercised strict control and discipline over their on-stage performances. "We are lucky to have got an opportunity to honour such an artiste," he stated.

Speaking after receiving the award, Shashikanth Shetty advised artistes to maintain discipline in their individual lives too if they want to be disciplined in their performances. He also told them that the focus of an artiste should be towards doing justice to the roles they don, and not demanding specific roles of their liking.

Former MLA, H Gopal Bhandary, inaugurated the function. On this occasion, veteran Bhagawath, Raghuram Pai Chkkalbettu was felicitated.

President of local gram panchayat, Santosh Kumar Shetty, temple managing trustee, Ganga R Bhat and others were present. Trustee, Krishnarjendra Bhat, welcomed. Vedamurty Raveendra Bhat proposed vote of thanks.

On this occasion, 'time-bound Yakshagana performance, 'Sri Krishna Parijatha' by Saligrama Mela was arranged. A Tulu play 'Bile Kattare Avandina' was performed by Vijaya artistes led by Sharat Shetty Kinnigoli.