Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Apr 30: Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade has been chosen for the coveted 'Basavasri' award. The award will be conferred on Dr Heggade by Suttur Mutt head Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami at a special ceremony being held in the premises of Ravindra Kalakshetra here on Friday May 1.

This information was given at a press conference held here on Wednesday April 29 by Basava Vedike treasurer M Rudraiah and executive member Jaraganahalli Shivshankar. The Vedike will be organizing the award ceremony.

So far, the said award has been given to 13 distinguished dignitaries and Heggade will be the 14th recipient of this prestigious award.

At the same time, Pt Venkatesh Kumar, well known Hindustani vocalist, will be honoured with the 'Vachana Sahityasri' award. This award will be conferred by Bangalore University vice chancellor Dr N Prabhudev. 'Vachana Sahityasri' award has already been given to 16 persons and it comprises of cash award of Rs 5,000, they said.

Dr Heggade has been chosen for the award, considering the role he has played and the unique services he has rendered, to social, educational and religious fields. Pt Venkatesh Kumar has become eligible for the award because of the efforts put in by him in popularizing the Vachanas of Shivasharanas by singing them in his unique Hindustani classical style all over the country, it was revealed.