Mangaluru, Jan 14, 2015: Five persons who contributed significantly to Tulu land, literature and culture have been chosen for the Tulu Academy Honorary and Book Awards for the year 2013, informed Janaki Brahmavar, the Academy President.
Speaking to reporters on January 14, Wednesday Janaki said Manu Idya, a writer from Suratkal K Vishwanath Rai, an eminent Yakshagana artiste and Gerthila Devu Poojari, a centenarian who has rendered yeoman service in the field of folk field will be conferred with honorary awards of the Academy.The Awards carry cash prize of Rs 10,000 a citation and memento.
She said the Academy Book Awards will be presented to Jayamma Chetty Mada for her novel “Parabaltha Peripalel” and Prashanthram Kottari, a software engineer for his research work “Attavara Deyongulu.” The Book Awards carry a cash prize of Rs 5000 apart from citation and memento.
The Academy President said the Award presentation ceremony may be held either in March or April.
The Awardees :
Gerthila Devu Poojari who has won the award for contributions to folk field, is 107 years old and an expert in Kambala sport as well as toddy tapping. He is also the Rajyotsava Award winner in 2008.
Manu Idya hailing from Suratkal has won several awards including the Late Ratnavarma Heggade Memorial Award, and Sandesha Tulu Sahitya Award for his works. He has authored over 100 Tulu poems and 30 stories.
K Vishwanatha Rai, an eminent Yakshagana artiste has served the field of Yakshagana for over five decades and has donned different roles while working for various Yakshagana troupes including Kateel, Bappanadu, Kateel and Madduru Melas.
Prashanthram Kottary, Academy Book Award winner is alumnus of NSAMIT and is presently working for Infosys in USA.
Another Book Award winner Jayamma Chetty Mada is a retired professor and recipient of several awards including SU Paniyadi Award.