Dr. G. V. Jaya Rajashekhara, a renowned writer, poet, and Gamaki artist, has achieved excellence in several fields of literature. Born on 12-10-1933, she grew up as the beloved daughter of G. S. Marulayya and Mahadevamma, and has become one of the proud achievers of this land. As the wife of Dr. Y. L. Rajashekhara, she balanced family life—nurturing and raising her children – while simultaneously making her mark in various domains such as literature, education, and music. A talented poet, she has participated in numerous programs on Akashvani (All India Radio) and Doordarshan, including dramas, speeches, discussions, reflections, interviews, musical performances, editorial presentations, and interpretative reading. Her editing and interpretative works on Mahadeviyakka, Muktayakka, and Prahudeva’s Aarogane have always earned wide appreciation and are now available to listeners through audio CDs.
She has authored several works, including Gamakakala Nidhi (Association), Shunya Sampadane Collection, Women Characters in Shunya Sampadane, Moggeya Mayidevara Shatakatraya, Radio Plays, Purana Stories for Children, Sharana Stories for Children, Ele Mallappa Shettar (Biography), Marali Banda Madhura Masa (Travelogue), Selected Songs of Sarpabhushana Shivayogis, Akkamahadevi (Biography), and Smriti Bimba (Autobiography).As a devoted follower of the Basava philosophy, and with her secular and inclusive outlook, she has earned immense admiration across the state. She has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Attimabbe Award, Basava Jyoti Award, Karnataka Padmashree, Gurubasavashree Siddaganga Shivakumara Swamiji Award, Vachana Sahityashree, Swaralipi Pratishthana Gayana Samaja’s Sahitya Saraswati Award (2021), and many other recognitions from Karnataka to the United States. Even at the age of 92, her enthusiasm for life and her deep interest in creating Sharana literature are truly commendable. Recognizing her exceptional contribution to the field of Sharana literature, the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Pratishthana take great pride in honoring her with the “Ramanashree Sharana Lifetime Achievement Award” for the year 2025.
Hearty congratulations to her on behalf of the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Pratishthana.
Miss Priyanka Praveen from Haveri holds an Engineering degree in Computer Science. She began her musical training at the age of fifth grade under the guidance of Pandit Matarandappa Santubaal, continuing for 12 years. She has successfully completed the Sangeetha Vidwat and Sangeetha Visharada examinations with highest distinction. She is recognized as a B-Grade artist by Dharwad Akashvani. Miss Priyanka has performed in numerous prestigious events, including Chandanavahini’s Madhura Madhuravee Manjulagana program, Rangayana Dharwad’s ‘Swaramrutha’, Bengaluru Bal Bhavan’s Kalashree, Gadag Utsav, Yuvajana Mela, and various stages organized by the Sharan Sahitya Parishat, among many others. She has also been awarded the Scholarship in Hindustani and Sugama Sangeetha by the State Music and Dance Academy.
Her achievements have been recognized with awards such as Gaanashree Ratna, Karunada Chetana, Asaadharana Pratibhe, Sukrutima, Gaanakogile, and several others. In recognition of her contributions to Vachana music, the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Ramanashree Pratishthana are pleased to honor her with the 2025 Ramanashree Sharan Vishesha Protsaha Puraskara.
Heartfelt congratulations to her on behalf of the Akhila Bharata Sharan Sahitya Parishat and Ramanashree Pratishthana.
Born in 1957 as the first daughter of Shri Gunavantarao Patil and Smt. Sangamma Patil in Bidar, Vijayashree graduated with an M.A. in Kannada from Karnataka University, securing first class. In 1978, she married the renowned writer Dr. Basavaraj Sabarad. In 1991, she was awarded a Ph.D. by Gulbarga University for her major dissertation titled “Anupama Niranjana’s Novels”.
She has served as a member of the recruitment committees of Akkamahadevi Women’s College, Bidar, Gulbarga University, Karnataka State Women’s University, Vijayapura, and the Postgraduate Centers of Women’s Universities, as well as chairperson of academic boards and chairperson of college inspection committees. She has contributed over thirty years of dedicated service to the field of higher education.
In the field of literature, Vijayashree has authored twenty independent works and twenty edited volumes. Under the Classical Language Project of the Women’s University, she prepared five volumes on the history of modern Kannada women’s literature, and under the Classical Language Project of Gulbarga University, she compiled two volumes related to theatre.
She has been honored with numerous awards, including the Ratnamma Heggade Award, Dharwad, the Sahityashree Award, Mysore, the Sindhoora Datti Award and the Govindaraja Datti Nidhi Award from the Kannada Sahitya Parishat, the Rajyotsava Award from Gulbarga University, the Attimabbe Award, the Goruru Award, the International Women’s Award, the Nidusale Puttaswamyya Sahitya Datti Nidhi Award, the Girija Datti Nidhi Award, the Kadali Award from the Sharana Sahitya Parishat, and the Sahityashree Award from the Karnataka Sahitya Academy, among many other honors.
Her works have been included as textbooks for undergraduate and postgraduate courses, making a unique contribution to language, literature, and culture. In recognition of her outstanding service to the study and research of Sharana literature, the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Pratishthana take pride in honoring her with the “Ramanashree Sharana Senior Category Award for 2025.”
Hearty congratulations to her on behalf of the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Pratishthana.
Prof. H. Lingappa was born in 1955 in Torangatte village, Jagalur Taluk, (then part of the undivided Chitradurga district, now in Davanagere district) as the eldest son of Shri Honnurappa and Smt. Hanumakka. He completed his primary education in his village, his secondary education in Jagalur, and his pre-university and undergraduate studies in Chitradurga. He earned his M.A. in Economics between 1977–79 at the Postgraduate Study Center, B.R. Project, Mysore University. From 1980 to 2015, he served in the College Education Department as a lecturer, professor, and principal, teaching for over three decades in Chitradurga, Bilichodu, Hosadurga, Akkialur, Challakere, and Channagiri. He has also worked as an examiner, member of examination boards, subject expert, and chairman of examination boards at Mysore University, Kuvempu University, Dharwad University, and Davanagere University.
He has served as a syndicate member of Hampi Kannada University, a member of the Information Cell for Davanagere and Chitradurga districts, and as a member of the authority of the Central Library, Chitradurga district. In the field of literature, he has authored over forty works, particularly focusing on Buddha Basava, Ambedkar, experiential vachanakars, and Shivasharanas, and has written extensively on philosophical and reflective subjects. He has also served as the editor of three felicitation volumes, and more than three hundred of his articles have been published in leading newspapers and journals. Alongside his professional career, he has actively participated in social advocacy, Dalit movements, and reform programs. Even now, he continues to dedicate himself to writing on literature, culture, and language. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he is being honored with the “Ramanashree Sharana Senior Category Award for 2025” by the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Pratishthana.
Hearty congratulations to him on behalf of the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Pratishthana.
Dr. Jayadevi Jangama Shetti is a renowned musician, professor, and writer, originally from Raichur. She completed her musical education in Dharwad, earning the degrees of Vidwat and Visharada in music. She was awarded a Ph.D. from Karnataka University for her dissertation titled “Vachana Gayana Parampara: A Musical Study” (on the traditions and practices of Vachana singing). Dr. Jayadevi trained under eminent musicians, including Pandit Panchakshari Swami Mattigatti, Vidushi Jayshree Patekar, and Pandit Rajashekhar Mansoor. She has performed musical programs across India and abroad, earning widespread recognition. In 2019, she served as the music director for the Kannada film “Ragabhairavi”, which received the Karnataka Government’s Best Background Singer Award. Her numerous albums in classical singing, Vachana singing, Dasavani, and Bhajan music have been released by the prestigious Lahari Music Company, Bengaluru, gaining significant acclaim. Jayadevi Jangama Shetti is serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Music and Fine Arts at Karnataka Central University, Kalaburagi. She has also served as a syndicate member of the Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal University of Music and Performing Arts. She has been honored with numerous awards, including the Dr. Mallikarjun Mansoor National Youth Award, the Ramanashree Music Award for Vachana Gayana, the Vachana Sangeetha Ratna Pandit Siddarama Jambaladinni Award, the “Vachana Sahityashree Award” from Basava Vedike, the Cultural Guru Award from Karnataka State Bal Vikas Academy, the State-level Amma Award, the Bharat Ratna Bismillah Khan Youth Award, Chennai, the Vachana Sangeetha Award from Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha, the prestigious Samskruti Sangama Award, Bengaluru, and the Best Book Award from Karnataka Sangeetha Nritya Academy for her work “Ulivanada Charana”, among many other honors. She is also a performer and composer on All India Radio and Doordarshan, specializing in Hindustani classical, light classical, and semi-classical music.
In recognition of her achievements in the field of Vachana music, the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Pratishthana take pride in honoring her with the “Ramanashree Sharana Senior Category Award for 2025.”
Hearty congratulations to her on behalf of the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Pratishthana.
With the dual purpose of bringing pure and independent Vachanas of authentic Kannada into every home and promoting the culturally significant Vachana tradition, the Vachana Jyothi Balaga was launched on May 19, 1996, through the Vachana Jyothi magazine. For the past twenty-eight years, under the guidance of Shri Pinakapani, the organization has consistently conducted year-round Vachana-based programs. The innovation and uniqueness of these programs have earned it a distinguished reputation in the cultural and literary circles of Karnataka, especially in the capital city, Bengaluru. “Vachanamrutavarshini Mahotsava”, Vachana Sanje, Vachana Munjane, Grameen Vachana Sanje, Vachana Belaku, Vachana Sankranti, Vachana Phalguna, Vachana Mungaru, Vachana Sambhrama, Vachana Shravan, Vachana Navaratri, Vachana Dasara, Vachana Kartika, and other such experimental programs organized by the group aim to bring the Vachana tradition into every home. Programs like “Vachana Sangeetha Ugadi” and “School to School Vachana Jyothi; Kannada Culture Yatra” reflect the organization’s devotion and commitment to propagating Sharana literature.
The Basava Jayanti celebration, started in 1997 as “Let’s Walk with Basavanna – Basava Utsava”, evolved in 2017 into the “Vachanamrutavarshini Mahotsava” for children. Now organized as a children’s Vachana festival, it engages students from Shishu Vihara to 10th grade in Vachana singing, Vachana essays, Vachana analysis, Vachana painting, Vachana quizzes, Vachana acrostics, Vachana plays, Vachana dance, Vachana recitation, Vachana storytelling, Vachana costume, and group Vachana singing, among 12 different categories. Through these activities, the organization instills cultural awareness and promotes Sharana literature in students, a contribution that is highly commendable. The Vachana Jyothi Balaga, with its many dreams and initiatives, operates from Kethohalli near Hirehalli, Tumkur, on land donated by the founder Pandit K.P. Shivalingayya’s ancestors.
They dream of creating a “Vachanaloka” on earth. In recognition of their outstanding contribution to the propagation of Sharana culture, the Vachana Jyothi Balaga, Bengaluru takes pride in honoring them with the “Ramanashree Sharana Senior Category Award for 2025” on behalf of the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Pratishthana.
Hearty congratulations to this organization on behalf of the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Pratishthana.
Honoring individuals who inspire and motivate others through their actions and achievements.
Dr. Ushadevi Hiremath hails from Lakshmeshwar, Gadag district. Her parents are L. Jagadevayya and Smt. Gouradevi Hiremath. She earned her M.A. in Kannada in 2006 and M.Phil in 2008. She also completed P.G. Diplomas in Basava Studies and Linguistics from Karnataka University. In 2016, she was awarded a Ph.D. by Karnataka State Akkamahadevi Women’s University, Vijayapura. In 2018, her research work was published with financial assistance from the Department of Kannada and Culture. Her book “Vachanodyana: A Cultural Study” was honored with the Jayamma Kariyanna Research Endowment Award in 2021 by the Karnataka Lekhakiyara Sangha.
She is currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Kannada at S.B. Arts and K.C.P. Science College, under B.L.D.E. Association. She is known for her eloquence, active personality, and versatile talents. She has delivered numerous lectures on Vachana literature, presented papers at national and international seminars, and participated as a resource person. Her reflections and insights have also been broadcast on All India Radio.
She has been actively engaged in Vachana literature, criticism, editing, and research, dedicating herself to both literary and social service. Many of her research articles have been published in prominent newspapers across the country.
She is currently serving as the President of the Kadali District Forum in Vijayapura district. Alongside her professional work, she is actively involved in social service, serving as a member in numerous organizations. She is also engaged in activities that spread Sharana philosophical thought to every home. In recognition of her literary and social contributions, she has been honored with the state-level “Shri Guru Puttaraj”.
She has received the Sadbhavana State-level Award, the Akka Award from Akka Mane Pratishthana, and the Chaitanyashree Award. In recognition of her achievements in the study and research of Sharana literature, the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Pratishthana take pride in honoring her with the “Ramanashree Sharana Encouragement Award for 2025.”
Hearty congratulations to her on behalf of the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Pratishthana.
Believing that “Poetic devotion is one of the greatest assets in life,” Shri M.B. Santosh of Mysuru has been seriously contributing to Kannada literature for the past two decades. He is a poet, novelist, modern Vachanakara, and the founding president of the Mysuru Sahitya and Samskruti Pratishtana (Regd.), dedicating himself wholeheartedly to the service of Sahitya Saraswati. He has authored 31 works across various literary forms, including chutuku (short witticisms), hanigavana (brief reflective pieces), modern Vachanas, poems, free verse, short stories, and novels. His modern Vachana collections—“Vachana Manjari,” “Vachana Vaidurya,” “Vachana Dundubhi,” “Vachana Samruddhi,” “Vachana Madhurya,” and “Vachana Vaividhya”—have already been released and widely appreciated by readers. On the occasion of his 60th birthday, a tribute anthology titled “Santosh-Sampreeti” was inaugurated by his admirers.
Mysuru Literature and Cultural Foundation (Regd.), more than 950 young achievers from various fields have been identified and honored with the ‘Balashree’, ‘Yuvashree’, and ‘Sadhana Shree’ awards according to their age categories. It is noteworthy that the Foundation has also honored over 400 senior achievers. For his literary service, Shri Santosh has received several prestigious recognitions from various organizations across the state, including the Dr. D.R. Bendre Poetry Award, Mysuru Ratna Award, Makkala Manikya Award, Makkala Meru Parvata Award, Vachana Kanmani Award, Karnataka Basava Jyoti Award, Kayakaratna Basavashree Award, Siddaganga Literary Award, and the District Kannada Rajyotsava Award from the Mysuru District Administration—an achievement of great pride.
In recognition of his contribution to modern vachana composition, the All India Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Foundation take pride in honoring him with the “Ramanashree Sharana Uttejana Award” for the year 2025.
Hearty congratulations to him on behalf of the All India Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Foundation.
Born to Basavaraj and Huligemma in Emmiganur village of Kampli taluk, Ballari district, the highly talented artist Sri Raju Emmiganur received his early musical inspiration in childhood. He underwent rigorous training in Hindustani classical music for twelve years under the revered Pandit Puttaraj Gawai at the Veereshwara Punyashrama, Gadag. Subsequently, while pursuing his Master of Music (M. Music) degree in Dharwad, he continued to refine and advance his musical expertise under the guidance of Pandit Sripad Hegde, further strengthening his foundation in classical music.
Sri Raju Emmiganur is a renowned music director, vocalist, lecturer, and writer. He is currently serving as a lecturer at Hamsalekha Desi College. He is also a Grand Jury Member of Zee Kannada Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and is presently a member of the Karnataka Sangeetha Nritya Academy.
Under his music direction, renowned singers such as Puneeth Rajkumar, Raghu Dixit, Kailash Kher, Sangeetha Katti, M.D. Pallavi, Anuradha Bhat, and many others have lent their voices. To date, he has composed music for over 350 songs, including Bhavageete, film songs, and Vachanas.
He has performed on numerous prestigious platforms across the country, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mysuru Dasara Festival, Hampi Utsav, Anegondi Utsav, and Kittur Utsav. Sri Raju Emmiganur has been honored with several awards, including the Keema International Award, Kumarasri Award from Veereshwara Punyashrama Gadag, and Sangeetha Ratna Award, along with various state-level recognitions. For his outstanding contributions to the field of Vachana music, he is being felicitated with the 2025 “Ramanashree Sharan Uttejana Prashasti” by the Akhila Bharata Sharan Sahitya Parishat and Ramanashree Pratishtana.
Hearty congratulations to him on behalf of the Akhila Bharata Sharan Sahitya Parishat and Ramanashree Pratishtana.
The Sagar Nadu Prakashana Surapura organization is engaged not only in publishing books but also in promoting Sharan culture. Located in Surapura Taluk of Yadgiri District, Sagar Nadu Prakashana Surapura has already published over 40 books. Notably, more than 15 of these publications focus on the life and contributions of Basavadi Sharana saints and on Vachana literature, which makes their work particularly significant.
The president, Prakash Angadi Kanneli, is the active thinker and driving force behind this organization. He has established the extensive Sagar Nadu Seva Pratishthana, through which hundreds of events have been organized, including numerous historical conferences, gatherings, and cultural festivals. Currently, he serves as the youth representative of the All India Sharan Sahitya Parishat, actively engaging in the promotion of Sharan literature. He has devoted himself to the dissemination of Sharan literature through initiatives such as Vachana sowing, Vachana discussions, personality development through Vachanas, and various other programs related to Sharan literary heritage. In recognition of his contributions, he has already received several prestigious awards from both government and non-government organizations. For his outstanding service in promoting Sharan culture, the Sagar Nadu Prakashana Surapura organization is felicitated with the 2025 Ramanshree Sharan Uttejana Award by the All India Sharan Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanshree Pratishthana.
Heartfelt congratulations to this organization on behalf of the All India Sharan Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanshree Pratishthana.
Check out the moments captured from the award ceremony through pictures.
