Mangaluru: Kannada and Culture Minister Umashree said there is a criticism that the Rajyotsava awards have become senior citizens’ awards as most of the award winners are aged between 60 to 100 years. More than the age, the expertise and service to various fields of achievements are considered for the award, she said.

She was speaking after presenting the Rajyotsava award to dance exponent and guru Muralidhar Rao at Sanatana Natyalaya on Thursday.

Rao could not receive the award at the official Rajyotsavfa award presentation ceremony organised in Bengaluru on November 1 due to illness. Therefore, the minister came down here to present the award to him.

The award comprises a ceremonial shawl, a 20 gram gold medal, a purse of Rs 1 lakh and a citation.

Umashree said the government’s foremost duty is to recognise and honour real achievers. Some achievers are selected for the award after the scrutiny of applications while many others like Rao have been selected directly by the Kannada and Culture Department taking note of their achievements in their respective fields.

This is being done by the last four years by the government. It is true that many of these achievers should have received the awards earlier, Umashree said.

One must acknowledge the fact that mastering the classical art forms is like a penance. Rao has done remarkable achievements in the field of classical dance and has also carried out several experiments. He has carried out an in-depth research in dance and has also authored books.

He has worked towards the popularisation of the art from by conducting workshops not only in various parts of the state, but also outside. Rao is a scholar par excellence. It is a matter of great pride for the Karnataka government to honour Rao with Rajyotsava award, Umashree said.

Kannada University (Hampi) former professor A V Navada said Rao is a noted drawing artist too.

There is a need for the documentation of his work in the field of art, Navada said.
Dance exponent Ullal Mohan Kumar and Karavali Nritya Parishat President Prof
Kamalaksha Achar were among those present.

After the programme, Umashree told reporters if former excise minister H Y Meti has taken advantage of the helplessness of the woman victim and had harassed her sexually, it is totally wrong. But the truth will come out after the investigation. The CID is capable of conducting an unbiased inquiry into the case, she said.