Mangalore:   Yaksha Kalanidhi Award was conferred on veteran Yakshagana artiste Sampaje Sheenappa Rai at a function held  in the city on Sunday under the auspices of Academy of Tenkutittu Yakshagana.

Speaking as a chief guest, V Dhananjaya Kumar, former MP, assured all possible assistance and co-operation towards popularizing and promoting Yakshagana through the Kendra Sahitya and Nataka Academy.

Dr Chinnappa Gowda, Registrar of Mangalore University, who presided over the function, said documentation of Yakshagana was a must to retain its originality.

K Govind Bhat, delivered the  felicitation address. Vidya Kolyur, Director of Academy of Tenkutittu Yakshagana and others were present on the occasion.