Jitendra Kundeshwara

Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (EP)

Karkala, Jan 28: Popular Yakshagana artiste Raghavendra Mayya was presented with the Kundeshwar Samman award during the annual festival of Kundeshwar temple, Karkala.

Receiving the award, Mayya expressed that the honour was for his services in the Yakshagana sector for the last four decades. "I will offer it to Narnappa Uppoor. May the Yakhagana artistes receive recognition in the future too," he wished. He composed a song about Kundeshwar deity on the spot, sang it and entertained the gathering.

Programme convener Jitendra Kundeshwar said that the 'Manikya Mani' titled Abhinava Kalinga Navada Mayya has inspired several artistes during his service at the Badagu Thittu. "We have respected the art by felicitating Mayya," he said.

Yakshaguru Kadri Ramachandra Bhat Eloor said that Mayya had made a name in Thenkina Dendadka mela also.

Ganga R Bhat, wife of late Raghavendra Bhat, trustee Krishna Rajendra Bhat, Vedamurthi Ravindra Bhat, Sudheendra Bhat, Sujendra Bhat, Renjala Sode Math trustee Subrahmnaya Bhat, Kunjathodi Vasudev Bhat, Kadri, progressive farmer Sathish Bhat, photographers' association vice president Padmaprasad Jain, businessman Santhosh Kumar Jain Renjala and Pallavi Mayya were present.

Land donors for the road Thomas, Vincent and Suresh Bhandary were honoured. Sirianna Shetty, former headmaster Rathnaker Rao, Gangamma, Sathish Bhat and other donors were honoured.

A musical programme was presented followed by a Yakshagana play in the end.