Dr. Veeranna Rajur was born on June 4, 1947, in Benakanal village, Kushtagi Taluk, Koppal District. His parents were Basappa and Fakiramma, from a family rooted in the culture of labor and agriculture.
He completed his SSLC in 1964, B.A. in 1968, M.A. in 1971, and Ph.D. in 1977. He pursued his studies in Hanumasagar, Gadag, and Dharwad.
Dr. Rajur began his career in 1973, serving as an assistant researcher, lecturer, reader, professor, head of the Kannada Study Department at Kannada University, chairman of the Basava Peetha, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Syndicate member, and Director of Prasaranga.
With a career spanning 35 years, he has guided 16 Ph.D. and 14 M.Phil. scholars. He retired in 2014.
His interests include Old Kannada, Middle Kannada, Vachana literature, manuscriptology, research, and theater. He has engaged in creative and non-creative literary pursuits, including drama, stories, biographies, research, and editing. He has authored over 140 books and written more than 500 articles.
Prominent works include Kannada Sangathya Literature (Ph.D. dissertation), Vachana Literature, Vachana Research, Post-Basava Vachanakartas, Vicharapathniyaru, Nuru Shodha, Nuru Ondu Baraha, Kannada Nataka Patha, Jnana Baladinda, comprehensive editions of Vachana literature, Taravali, Shataka, Sangathya, Swaravachana, among others.
He has served as the chief editor for significant publication projects, including 40 volumes of Dr. M.M. Kalaburagi’s Complete Works, 112 volumes commemorating the centenary of Murughamath’s Free Prasada Nilaya, 25 volumes for Basava Jayanti’s centenary celebrations, and 25 volumes for Basava Peetha’s silver jubilee celebrations.
Dr. Rajur has presided over numerous events, including the 12th All Karnataka Manuscript Conference by Kannada University, Hampi, Vachana Sahitya Parishat in Bengaluru, and the Second Kushtagi Taluk Literary Conference. He has participated in over 600 conferences, seminars, workshops, lecture series, and special programs, delivering lectures and presenting papers.
He has received numerous awards and honors, including the Basava Puraskara National Award, Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, awards from the Karnataka Drama Academy, Karnataka Sahitya Academy, and Ramanshree Sharana Award, along with recognitions from Kannada University and Dr. M.M. Kalaburagi. Currently, he serves as the President of the Dr. M.M. Kalaburagi National Foundation.
Considering his overall contributions and achievements, the All-India Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Ramanshree Foundation are proud to honor him with the Ramanshree Sharana Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024.
Dr. Sangamesh Upase, born on June 5, 1974, to Shri Mahadevappa and Smt. Siddalingamma, is a distinguished writer, actor, singer, and artist. He holds a B.A. degree in Political Science, English, and Philosophy from Karnataka University, an M.A. degree from Bangalore University, and a Ph.D. from Hampi University on the topic “A Cultural Investigation of Vachana Studies.”
In 2006, after clearing the K.A.S. exams, he began his career as an Assistant Controller in the State Accounts and Audit Department and later served in various capacities, including Assistant, Deputy, and Joint Commissioner in the Commercial Tax Department. Currently, he serves as the Joint Secretary of the Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board under the Labor Department.
Trained at the Dharwad Theater Workshop, Dr. Upase has contributed as a resource person at organizations like Abhinava Bharati, Dharwad, and Balabhavana Samiti, Bengaluru. He has directed plays like Chanakya and Aliya Devaru and acted in productions such as Appa, Devadasi, and Mudukana Maduve. Dr. Upase has also been involved in writing dialogues for TV serials like Manetana and Vathara and acted in popular shows like Silli Lalli and Papa Pandu. He has performed in over ten films, including Veera Kannadiga and Yuvarathna.
He has authored several books, including Belakina Nadige and Nannadondhu Kanaside.
Dr. Upase has been honored with various awards, such as the Kannada Sahitya Parishat Datthi Award, Devara Dasimayya Award, Kannada Kala Shreshta Award, and the Vishvamanava Kuvempu Ratna Award.
In his illustrious career, he has rendered significant service in departments such as State Audit and Accounts, Urban Development, Law Enforcement, Animal Husbandry, Municipal Administration, Rural Development, and Horticulture. He also served as a Kannada lecturer at the Ramaiah Institute of Technology.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions, the All-India Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Ramanshree Foundation take pride in bestowing the Ramanshree Sharana Award for 2024 on Dr. Sangamesh Upase.
Shri H.S. Siddagangaiah
Shri H.S. Siddagangaiah was born on April 6, 1948, in Byatha village of Tumkur Taluk to Sharana couple Shri H.C. Shivappa and Smt. Veeramma. He holds a postgraduate degree in Kannada and a diploma in Journalism. Shri Siddagangaiah has served as the editor for various publications such as Karnataka Vikasa of the Karnataka government’s Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, Kannada Nudi of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat, and Mahamane of the All India Sharana Sahitya Parishat. Currently, he is the editor of the monthly magazine Siddaganga.
Shri Siddagangaiah has edited over 170 works, including notable titles like Karnataka Janapada Kalegala Vidyanidhi, Anubhava Patha, Dasoha Siri, Niranjana Shree, Nibberagu, Vajraganga, and Sharana Tatva Chintane. He has also authored over 35 books related to Sharana literature, including Hoogara Madayya, Basavannana Nelegalu, Dohara Kakkayya, Dhakkeye Marayya, Kannada Mari Tande, Kinnari Bommayya, Sharanara Samajo Dharmika Chalavali, and Sharanara Hejje Gurutugalu.
His works like Hootitta Hanave Mannage Hodaga, Saaku Mado Shivane, Rangannana Kathe, Janapada Samshodhana Tenegalu, Bahumukhi Janapada, and Karnataka Sadhane Sampannaru have received state-level awards.
Awards and Recognitions:
For his unparalleled contributions to literature, Shri Siddagangaiah has been honored by various mathas (monasteries) like Siddaganga Math, Suttur Math, Sarbhooshana Shivayogi Math, Degulamath, Kanchugal Bandemath, and Maralegavimath, among others.
He has served as a member of the selection committee for folk artists at All India Radio and has presented over 100 research papers at state and national-level seminars. More than 110 programs by him have been broadcast by All India Radio centers like Bengaluru and Bhadravati. Additionally, over 600 articles on literature, culture, personality sketches, and folklore have been published in various reputed publications.
For his significant contributions to literature, the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Ramanashree Pratishthana are proud to present the Ramanashree Sharana Senior Award 2024 to Shri H.S. Siddagangaiah.
Dr. Gurulingappa Dhabale
Dr. Gurulingappa Dhabale was born on April 2, 1967, in Togalur village, Hulasuru Taluk, Bidar District, to Shri Shankareppa and Smt. Shivamma Dhabale. For the past 29 years, he has been serving as a Kannada professor and Head of the Department at C.B. Khedgi Basaveshwar College in Akkalkot, Maharashtra.
Dr. Dhabale completed his M.Phil. and Ph.D. on Sharana Ambigara Chowdayya and The Poets of Bidar District respectively. He has authored and published 24 works in the fields of poetry, criticism, research, and editing. His poems and articles have appeared in esteemed publications like Basavapatha, Mahamane, Hosathu, and Tushara. His works have also been broadcast on Gulbarga All India Radio.
Several of his writings on Kannada-Marathi cultural ties and collections of Basavanna’s vachanas have become part of academic curricula at colleges and universities. His interviews have been aired on Solapur’s IN channel and DD Chandana (Belaku).
Academic Contributions:
Dr. Dhabale has served as a member and chairman of the Kannada Study Committees of several universities across the country. He has also been part of the Maharashtra State HSC Textbook Committee as a member, coordinator, and editor.
As a recognized research guide at Solapur University, six of his students have earned doctoral degrees under his mentorship, and seven are currently pursuing research. He has evaluated research theses for 18 universities in India.
Dr. Dhabale has presented over 70 research papers on Kannada literature and vachana literature at various international, national, and state-level seminars, workshops, and symposia.
Cultural Contributions:
Dr. Dhabale played a key role in establishing the first-ever branch of the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat outside Karnataka. As its secretary and president, he has organized lectures, vachana recitation competitions, and special programs to promote Kannada and vachana literature on Marathi soil.
He has also published commemorative works like Sharana Solapur and Sharana Shravan and organized cultural events to strengthen linguistic and cultural bonds between Karnataka and Maharashtra.
For his immense contributions to literature and culture, Dr. Gurulingappa Dhabale has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions, including the chairmanship of the 6th Sharana Sahitya Sammelana of Bidar District in 2016.
Prof. Chidananda P. Siddhashrama
Born in Hullambi, a village in Dharwad district, Prof. Chidananda P. Siddhashrama excelled as a first-class student throughout his academic journey, from primary school to postgraduate studies. Having experienced the value of hard work, he built his life through perseverance. A thinker with a scientific mindset, Siddhashrama has contributed over 40 original works to Kannada literature, including poetry, modern vachanas, criticism, research, cultural studies, and an autobiography.
As a prominent modern vachanakara, Siddhashrama has published three significant collections of vachanas. His works categorize vachanas into intellectual, social, ethical, educational, political, and spiritual themes, highlighting societal issues like corruption, power hunger, casteism, nepotism, untouchability, and immorality. His insightful solutions add immense value to these collections.
A distinguished critic, Siddhashrama has analyzed the major works of Kannada literature, spanning from Adikavi Pampa to Mogalli Ganesh, through socio-cultural perspectives. His studies of vachanas by Basaveshwara, Allamaprabhu, Ambigara Chowdaiya, Akkamahadevi, and others have been particularly impactful. He has also authored six poetry collections, four research works, and two cultural studies. His autobiography, Nannallada Nanu (“The Me That Isn’t Me”), reflects the ethos of rural India.
Recognizing Prof. Chidananda P. Siddhashrama’s remarkable contributions, the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Ramanashree Pratishthana are proud to honor him with the Ramanashree Senior Sharana Award for 2024.
Sushila Somashekhar
Sushila Somashekhar was born on June 10, 1955, in Yalagunda village, Hassan district, to the Sharana couple Lingappa Tammanna Gowda and Nanjamma. With a postgraduate degree in Kannada, she possesses a literary-minded disposition. She has served in various capacities, including as President of the Hassan District Writers’ Association and the Hassan District Sharana Sahitya Parishat. Currently, she is the coordinator of the Rajya Kadali Mahila Vedike, a wing of the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat.
Sushila has a profound interest in vachana and folk literature. Her published works include poetry collections such as Nakku Bide Gelati, Angala Anathavalla, Male Purusha, and Saddillada Nagu. She has also written works on vachana philosophy, cultural studies, and children’s literature. Her notable books include Vachana Mandara (Vols. 1 & 2), Sharana Samskruthi Prasthutha Tallanagalu, and Olagondu Tannana Nadi.
She has delivered over 300 lectures across districts, including in Mumbai and Andhra Pradesh. Her contributions have been recognized on platforms like Chandana TV, Suvarna TV, and All India Radio. She has recited poetry at events such as the Dasara Poets’ Meet and has presided over numerous literary gatherings. Her works are also included in the curriculum of private schools in Bangalore, and two of her poems have been translated into Hindi.
As President of the 2nd Kannada Literary Conference in Sakaleshpura, she has been honored with numerous awards, including the District Rajyotsava Award, Best Teacher Award, and various literary prizes. Many religious institutions and organizations have recognized her literary contributions.
In recognition of her significant achievements in literature, Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Ramanashree Pratishthana are delighted to honor Sushila Somashekhar with the Ramanashree Senior Sharana Award for 2024.
A stalwart of Karnataka music and a decorated artist across various genres of music, Smt. M.S. Sheela is a name synonymous with excellence in Carnatic classical music. Many musicians have illuminated the field of music by using the seven swaras as the steps to their success, and Smt. M.S. Sheela stands tall among them. She is one of the rare and revered artists in the realm of Carnatic classical music.
Born into a family deeply rooted in music, Smt. M.S. Sheela inherited her passion and talent from her mother, Smt. M.S. Ratna, a distinguished musician herself. Sheela’s musical journey began under the guidance of her mother and later flourished under the tutelage of Shri R.K. Srikantan, shaping her into a refined and proficient artist. She earned her postgraduate degree in music from Bangalore University, securing a gold medal for her academic excellence. Along with her expertise in classical music, she has an equally strong command over light music, excelling in both with equal finesse. She is among the few who have achieved the prestigious Top Rank in both genres from All India Radio (AIR).
Smt. Sheela has performed extensively across India, including at the prestigious National Music Conferences of AIR, and has represented Indian music in countries such as the USA, Canada, London, and the Middle East, spreading the glory of Carnatic music worldwide.
She has also carved a niche in the field of audio recordings, with popular albums like Lalitha Sahasranama, Sri Sharada Suprabhata, Gana Sushilam, Palinchu Kamakshi, Haridasa Namana, Soundarya Lahari, Shivananda Lahari, and Vachanamruta, which continue to be in high demand. Her contributions include serving as a member of the Karnataka Music and Dance Academy and organizing unique musical initiatives under her banner, Hamsadhwani Creations. These include conceptual performances, the release of a CD featuring the compositions of Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar, and the annual Hamsadhwani Puraskar award to honor upcoming musicians.
Smt. M.S. Sheela has received numerous accolades, including the Best Senior Vocalist award from the Madras Music Academy, the Best Playback Singer award, the Karnataka Music and Dance Academy Award, the Sringeri Sharada Peetha Asthana Vidushi title, Gana Varidhi, Sangeetha Gana Kalanidhi, Sangeetha Sahyadri, Sangeetha Vagdevi, and many others. In 2021-22, she was honored with the prestigious Nijaguna-Purandara Award by the Government of Karnataka.
Recognizing her exceptional contributions to music both in India and abroad, the All India Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Pratishthana take immense pride in presenting her with the Ramanashree Sharana Senior Category Award for the year 2024.
Achievements:
Literary Contributions:
Awards and Honors:
Shri M. V. Tyagaraj has been recognized as an excellent organizer, eloquent speaker, and a dedicated advocate of Basava philosophy. His non-sectarian values and commitment to Kannada culture have earned him immense public respect across Karnataka.
Acknowledging his contributions to Kannada literature and the Karnataka Vachana Sahitya Parishat, the Akhil Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and RamanaShree Pratishthana are proud to honor him with the RamanaShree Sharana Senior Excellence Award for 2024.
Honoring individuals who inspire and motivate others through their actions and achievements.
Dr. Andayya Aravatagimath was born on July 26, 1993, in S. S. Hadagali, Ron Taluk, Gadag District. He completed his primary education in his hometown. After pursuing his secondary and pre-university education at Government Sardars Pre-University College in Belagavi, he graduated from Government First Grade College in Gadag. He obtained his postgraduate degree in Kannada from the Dr. R.C. Hiremath Kannada Study Chair at Karnatak University, Dharwad. Dr. Aravatagimath has successfully cleared state and national-level eligibility tests for lecturers and holds a postgraduate diploma in journalism.
Under the guidance of Dr. Venkata Giri Dalavayi, a professor in the Kannada Literature Studies Department at Kannada University, Hampi, Dr. Aravatagimath undertook full-time research on “Theoretical Foundations of Kannada Vachana Criticism” and earned his Ph.D. The evaluators of his dissertation acknowledged the significance of his work, emphasizing how it sheds light on the evolving standards, perceptions, and theoretical frameworks of Kannada literary criticism over time, with a specific focus on vachana literature. The dissertation also explores the need for contemporary vachana studies to align with current critical paradigms.
Dr. Aravatagimath’s writings have been widely published in leading Kannada newspapers, research journals, and online platforms. Notable works include “Reading the Tradition of Vachanas: A Re-Evaluation,” “The Cultural Map of Vachanakaras,” “The Legitimacy of Modern Vachana Studies,” “Vachana Literature and Women: A Study of Equality,” “Dalit Criticism: Vachana Literature,” and “The Work Doctrine of Vachanakaras: Diverse Perspectives.” His other prominent writings discuss figures like Gajesh Masanayya and Masanamma, the critical contributions of R.C. Hiremath’s Vachana Literature Editing, and the research by Sh. Sh. Basavanalaru on vachanas.
As a dedicated student of literature, Dr. Aravatagimath has shown keen interest in vachana studies alongside his creative writing pursuits, such as short stories and essays. He was awarded the Dr. M.M. Kalburgi Fellowship by the Murugha Math of Chitradurga for his contributions to vachana research. His critical essay collection “Neerellavu Teertha” was published with the support of the Kannada Book Authority. He has also been recognized with the Shantadevi Kanavi Short Story Award from the Kannada Vidyavardhaka Sangha and had his short story selected in the Akshara Sangata Short Story Competition.
In addition to literature, Dr. Aravatagimath has interests in agriculture, travel, and teaching. Currently, he serves as a Kannada lecturer at the KLE Society’s Arts and Commerce College in Gadag.
Recognizing Dr. Andayya Aravatagimath’s achievements, the Akhil Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramana Shree Foundation proudly honor him with the Ramana Shree Sharana Utejana Award for the year 2024.
Originally from Karandadi, Udupi, Dr. Katyayini Kunjibettu has contributed to various literary forms such as novels, stories, poetry, reviews, plays, columns, children’s plays, biographies, speeches, translations, and research. To date, she has published 32 works across different genres of literature.
Awards and Recognitions:
Career and Education:
Contribution to Vachana Literature:
Recognition for Her Achievements:
Dr. Ranjani Vasuki
(Renowned Carnatic Classical Vocalist)
Dr. Ranjani Vasuki is the daughter and disciple of Sangita Choodamani Gana Kalabhushana Dr. Nagavalli Nagaraj. Known for her rare charm and exceptional talent, she has become a household name among Carnatic music enthusiasts. Born into a musical lineage, her artistic heritage traces back to her great-grandfather, Shri Kolattur Ramakrishna Shastri, a composer of kritis in all 72 Melakarta ragas. Her grandfather, Shri K.S. Satyanath Rao, was also a composer. Growing up in a family immersed in music, Ranjani developed a natural inclination towards it and began performing at the age of four. She is gifted with a divine voice that effortlessly traverses all three octaves and blends brilliance with sweetness.
Under the guidance of her mother and guru, Dr. Nagavalli, Ranjani was trained to master pure music infused with expressive emotion. With a strong foundation in Carnatic music and an open-minded interest in other classical forms, she has honed her craft to perfection.
Dr. Ranjani has performed over 2,000 concerts solo and alongside her mother across prestigious national and international stages, including major conferences and festivals. Her research papers have been published in international journals.
In 2012, she graduated with First Rank and three gold medals from Bangalore University in postgraduate studies. She achieved top ranks in the Karnataka Education Board’s Junior Music and Vidwat exams and was awarded a UGC fellowship for her Ph.D. after excelling in the NET (Music) exam. In 2022, she earned her doctorate for her research on the aesthetics of gamakas (ornamentation).
Representing Karnataka, she was selected by the Karnataka Government to participate in the 2010 World Kannada Conference in New Jersey. She has also performed on All India Radio, Doordarshan, Udaya TV, and Etv.
Academically, Ranjani holds a degree in Computer Science Engineering and served at Infosys for four years. She has trained students both in India and abroad and has produced numerous music albums. Widely featured in the media, she excels in various genres, including Carnatic classical, devotional, light music, film songs, vachana music, and kavyavachana.
Dr. Ranjani is the founder and creative director of the “Ragavalli Fine Arts Foundation.”
Awards:
Recognizing her contributions to music, the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Ramana Shree Pratishthana are proud to honor Dr. Ranjani Vasuki with the Ramana Shree Sharana Uttejana Award for 2024.
Mrs. Vadawati Sharada Bharat
(Hindustani Classical Vocalist and Vachana Singer)
Mrs. Vadawati Sharada Bharat, a distinguished Hindustani classical vocalist, represents the Gwalior and Jaipur gharanas. She trained under her father, the internationally renowned clarinetist Dr. Pandit Narasimhulu Vadawati, and Dr. Bharati Vaishampayan, Dean of the Music Department at Shivaji University, Maharashtra.
Sharada has elevated the art of vachana singing with a unique style inspired by Pandit Siddharama Jambaldinni. Her exceptional ability to integrate vachanas with Hindustani classical music has earned her acclaim across Karnataka. She won First Prize in Hindustani classical music at the 13th Youth Music and Dance Festival organized by the South-Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur.
A rank holder in the Senior State Music Examination, she has received Central and National Scholarships. Sharada is an “A” grade artist in vachana singing and a “B High” grade artist in devotional music with All India Radio. Albums like Mansoon, Sri Vachanamruta, and Sangana Basava have been widely appreciated.
The Karnataka Government appointed Sharada as a member of the Karnataka Sangeet Nritya Academy from 2014–2017, making her the first representative from the newly named Ramanagara district. She successfully organized cultural festivals such as the first district-level Sangeet Nritya Utsava and Gangotsava.
Her performances in Doordarshan’s Vachanamruta series captivated audiences. As India’s first artist to present vachana music at the prestigious AIR Music Conference 2016, she made history. Sharada has received numerous accolades, including the Rajyotsava Award in 2015, Vivekananda Shanti Award, Adarsha Dampati Award, Parameshwara Pulakeshi Award, and P. Kalinga Rao Memorial Award.
Through her cultural center, Bharat Samskritika Kala Kendra in Bengaluru, she continues to pass on her musical legacy. Her birthday, January 21, is celebrated as Artists’ Day to honor art and artists.
Recognizing her invaluable contributions to music, the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Ramana Shree Pratishthana are proud to honor Mrs. Vadawati Sharada Bharat with the Ramana Shree Sharana Uttejana Award for 2024.
Omshivaprakash H. L. is a digital archivist and entrepreneur specializing in language technology and digitization projects focused on art, history, culture, and literature. With two decades of IT experience, he has been instrumental in implementing and participating in open and free software-based knowledge initiatives centered on Kannada. One notable project is Sanchaya (https://sanchaya.org), a technology platform for Kannada literary research. Established in 2012 through Sanchaya, Vachana Sanchaya (https://vachana.sanchaya.net) has become a widely used research tool for studying Vachana literature, serving thousands of users. This technology is now expanding to support other classical Kannada literary works.
In 2014, he co-founded the Sanchi Foundation (https://sanchifoundation.org) with friends to digitally document and archive Kannada art, history, and culture. The foundation has made thousands of hours of audio and video recordings available online for free, covering various genres such as Karnataka’s theater, folk songs, and Yakshagana performances.
He is also a co-founder of the #ServantsOfKnowledge initiative, launched in 2018, which plays a pivotal role in digitizing and archiving books, manuscripts, and periodicals across India. These efforts aim to preserve the nation’s rich art, literature, culture, history, and heritage, while inspiring and influencing language communities locally and globally, showcasing his deep commitment to Kannada language and culture.
Recognizing his achievements, the Akhil Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Ramanashree Pratishthana are proud to honor Omshivaprakash H. L. with the Ramanashree Sharana Uttejana Award for the year 2024.
Check out the moments captured from the award ceremony through pictures.
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