Mangalore : The Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy presented honorary and book awards for the year 2012 to six achievers, in a ceremony held at Ravindra Kala Mantapa here on Saturday July 26.

The honorary awards were conferred on Jayanthi S Bangera (literature), Rohidas Kadri (drama), Richard Castelino (cinema), K E Radhakrishna (story), Simanthooru Chandrahasa Suvarna (poetry) and Ramanath Kotekar (research) respectively.

The academy gave away awards for writers and those who have made contributed to Tulu literature for 2012. Academy’s chairperson Janaki Brahmavar, Health Minister U.T. Khader, Nalin Kumar Kateel, MP among others attended the function.

Mr. Richard was felicitated for his contribution to Tulu film industry, while Mr. Rohidas was felicitated for his contribution to Tulu theatre.

The academy also felicitated writers Jayanti S. Bangera, K.E. Radhakrishna and poet S. Chanddra Suvarna.

It also felicitated Ramanath Kotekar for his research in Tulu.

Mr. Khader said he was with the academy towards encouraging Tulu writers and making it popular among youngsters.

Mr. Khader said he will take up with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah a release of Rs. 1 crore needed for various development works.

Mr. Kateel asked to push for teaching Tulu in schools in Dakshina Kannada. “At least here children should know to speak in Tulu. Making youngsters speak in Tulu will be the only way to popularise Tulu.”

Mr. Kateel said the academy should push for Tulu as a subject in schools in Dakshina Kannada.

Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy President M Janaki Brahmavara presided over the function.

Scholar Udhyavara Madhava Acharya, Mangalore Mayor Mahabala Marla, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy President Roy Castelino, Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy Registrar Chandrahas Rai B, and many others were present.

‘Prashamsa’ Team from Kaup staged ‘Bale Telepule’ programme while Naveen Koppa and Sanjana presented Tulu orchestra on the occasion. It was an occasion to revitalise the Tulu ethos.