Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Jan 17: The prestigious Kundeshwar Award, bestowed by Karkala Hirgana Kundeshwar organization for those who excel in religious activities and Yakshagana every year, will be presented to Patla Sathish Shetty this year.

"The award will be presented on January 21. Convener of the Yakshagana Melas, Kishan Hegde, comedy actor Ramesh Bhandary, Durga children's mela founder Harinarayana and others have received the award so far," said Jitendra Kundeshwar, president of the award selection committee.

A Yakshagana programme will be held at 7.30 pm on January 21 under the leadership of Patla Sathish Shetty. Vadiraja Kalluraya, Girsh Rai Kakkepadavu, Hebry Ganesh, Akshay Marnad, Lokesh Munchooru and Ramana Achar will perform. Kundapur Kullappu troupe will present a comedy drama named 'Mooru Muthu'. Annual festival of Rakteshwari, Nema and Annasantarpane will be held on January 22.

The organization has come forward to provide 100 houses to homeless artistes through Dhruva Foundation at a cost of Rs 7 to 10 crore within the next three years. The foundation will also provide scholarships to the children of poor artistes, health insurance and pension to retired artistes.

Sathish Shetty hailing from Bantwal was trained in Yakshagana at a very young age. He is serving as chief artiste in Kateel mela for the last twelve years.