Bangalore: CM B.S. Yeddyurappa distributed the Rajyotsava annual awards to 170 persons and service institutions (as against 125 persons / 159 names earlier decided upon, by a Committee for 2 years) for 2009-10, in a well organised and pompous 55th state Formation Day celebrations in the city.
Among the recipients were Ullas Karanth, (son of Dr. K. Shivarama Karanth), Cine artiste V. Ravichandran, Dr. P. Dayananda Pai. Kris Gopal Krishna, Dr. C.R. Chandrashekhar, besides CWG medal winners, dancers, singers and journalists. The awards distribution ceremony conducted in Ravindra Kala Kshetra in city took 2 hours and overflowed with people. Each award consisted of a shawl, a gold medal, mementoes, citation and a cheque for Rs. One lakh.
CM speaking to the distinguished audience on the occasion, announced 3 more city halls all over Bangalore, to be constructed soon. He informed that a Janapada (Folklore) University will be formed and funds from the govt will be given to construct it. Senior artistes in any field will be granted a higher pension. This month 400 artistes are included in the pensions list, and next month, another 1200 artistes will find place in that list, CM indicated.
170 persons called out, received their Rajyotsava awards announced for 2009 & 2010. The programme went on smoothly and well. However, the Kannada / Culture department could not enumerate the various achievements of awardees.
Govinda Karajola, Minister, said that the list of award winners had to be lengthened to accommodate 20 persons at the last minute. Basti Vaman Shetty of Vishwa Konkani Kendra, and actor-director V. Ravichandran among others, were in the additional list. Several fields of activity had been recognized afresh, the Minister said.