Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)
Bangalore, May 26: Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy has chosen linguist, Dr Ramakrishna Shetty, Tulu Yakshagana artiste, Kanchana Sanjeeva Rai, and Tulu dramatist, actor, director, Bhoja Suvarna for the honorary awards of the Academy pertaining to the year 2009. These awards carry cash component of Rs 10,000 each and a citation. For the book awards, ‘Kannega’, an anthology of Tulu poems by Muddu Moodubelle, ‘Desantaro’ novel by Lalita Rai, and researcher, Poovappa Kaniyoor’s collection of research essays, ‘Maukhika Sankathana’ have been selected. The book awards comprise of cash component of Rs 5,000.
Addressing press conference here on Tuesday May 25, Uday Dharmasthala, a member of the academy informed that the awards function will be held here on May 29.
Ramakrishna Shetty is the director of the Centre for Advanced Study in Linguistics in Annamalai University. He has conducted in-depth study of Tulu language, culture and folklore and written books on Tulu grammar, Koraga grammer, Auxiliary Works in Tulu etc.
Kanchana Sanjeev Rai, who hails from Puttur taluk, has thorough knowledge of Tulu legends, and is endowed with the ability to speak in Tulu fluently and meaningfully. He has been serving the field of Yakshagana since the last 42 years.
B Bhoja Suvarna has made considerable contributions to the field of Tulu theatre, by writing plays and directing them. He also has written lyrics for Tulu films.
Academy registrar Chandrahas Rai too was present.