Silvester D’ Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)
Kundapur, Oct 11: “Rain water needs to be stored in large quantity. River should not be diverted just for water. We will be able to get sufficient water by rain water harvesting,” said water and environment expert Sri Padre.
He was speaking after receiving 14th annual Dr Shivaram Karanth hometown award in a programme held by Kotathattu grama panchayat, Kota Dr Shivaram Karanth hometown award foundation and Udupi Dr Shivarama Karanth trust on Wednesday, October 10.
“Young children should be taught how to preserve water during lessons on water. The water project in Maharashtra is a model for the country. There is scarcity of drinking water in undivided Dakshina Kannada district. It is a matter of shame. Community members should try to solve the problem. Declaration of draught in some taluks in the district is shameful in the district of the intellectuals. However I am proud to receive the award in the name of late Dr Karanth,” he said.
Karnataka Lokayukta justice P Vishwanath Shetty presented the award and said that suitable people should be selected for the award so that there can be value for the award. “As Karanth worked in arts, literature and Yakshagana his name has become immortal even after 17 years,” he said.
Udupi Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje inaugurated the programme and conveyed her best wishes. Kotatattu grama panchayat president Raghu Thingalaya chaired the programme.
Vidhana parishad opposition leader Kota Srinivas Poojary, Udupi taluk panchayat president Nalini Pradeep Rao, Udupi taluk panchayat member Lalita Poojary, executive Mohan Raj, Kota grama panchayat president Vanita Sridhar Acharya, Karnataka Sahitya Parishad Udupi district president Neelavara Surendra Adiga, Kotathattu gram panchayat secretary Meera, foundation chief secretary Narendra Kumar Kota and others were present.
Foundation president Anand C Kunder welcomed. Selection committee member U S Shenoy shared his opinions. Singer Suresh Karkada sang an inspirational song. Saligrama children’s group’s Sridhar Hande introduced Hande in Yakshagana style. Sushmita Parampalli compered the programme. Kotathattu panchayat development officer Sujatha Lakkappanavar thanked. A yakshagana play was staged by Thenku Badagu artistes at the end of the programme.