Announcing the decision, vice-chancellor Prof P L Dharma stated that the prestigious honours will be awarded to Harekala Hajabba, Surikumeru Govinda Bhat (posthumously), and Dr Ravish Padumale, acknowledging their exceptional and enduring contributions in their respective domains.

Harekala Hajabba, a Padma Shri awardee, has become a symbol of grassroots change through education. A fruit vendor by livelihood, he transformed his native village of Harekala-Newpadpu near Mangaluru by establishing a school, thereby opening the doors of learning to countless rural children. His extraordinary efforts earned him the Padma Shri in 2020.

Surikumeru Govinda Bhat (1938–2026), a towering figure in the Thenkuthittu Yakshagana tradition, will be honoured posthumously. Revered as 'Dashavatari', he devoted nearly seven decades to the art form and served for over 50 years, notably with the Dharmasthala troupe.

Celebrated for his powerful portrayals of characters such as Rakthabeeja, Kaurava and Bhishma, he was the recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2016) as well as the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award.

Dr. Ravish Padumale, a prominent Daiva Narthaka, is equally respected as a thinker, orator and academic. Hailing from Dakshina Kannada district, he serves as the head of the Civil Engineering department at SDM Institute of Technology, Ujire. Alongside his academic responsibilities, he continues to uphold and promote the traditional practice of Daiva Narthana, while actively fostering awareness about Hindu cultural heritage.