Linganayya Nagabhushana Swami, revered as a poet, literary critic, distinguished translator, editor, and educator in the world of Kannada literature.
Born on September 22, 1953, in Hosakote, Bangalore district, he is the son of O. N. Linganayya and Puttagowramma. He earned his M.A. degree in both English and Kannada from the University of Mysore and served as a lecturer in several colleges. He held significant positions as the head of the translation department and the Kannada language and literature department at Kannada University and Maharani Arts College, Bengaluru, respectively, before retiring.
As a member of the Central Sahitya Akademi and the director of the Translation Centre, he actively contributed to various organizations such as the K.K. Birla Foundation, Kannada University, Bangalore University, and the J. Krishnamurti Foundation India. He has translated over 18 works independently and contributed to translating more than 300 works, including poems by Chandra Shekhar Kambar and G.S. Shivarudrappa from Kannada to English.
Recognized for his literary contributions, he has been honored with awards such as the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, Karnataka Sahitya Akademi Award, and accolades from Mysore University and Karnataka University.
Professor Nagabhushana Swami’s literary service is commendable. His profound study, extensive research, analytical insights, creative thinking, and vigorous translation skills mark his uniqueness.
The Akhil Bharatiya Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Pratishthana bestowed upon him the Ramanashree Sharan Award in 2013, expressing deep admiration for his achievements.
Professor G. H. Hannurmath, one of the senior litterateurs in Kannada, was born to Huchayya and Annapoornamma, who is now centenarian, in 1940. Even during his high school days, he won statewide recognition for his story “Baagila Beegada Bimkave”. He published his first poetry collection, “Kavyakalapi”, while still a college student. His epic poem “Basava Kavyadarshana” was released in 1968 by the Maharaja of Mysore.
His literary journey began in childhood. To date, he has published 17 novels, 14 poetry collections, 15 plays, 6 short stories, 4 humorous writings, 2 collections of light essays, 5 biographies, and 10 edited works. His creations span across various genres of Kannada literature including poetry, short stories, children’s plays, vachanas, travelogues, biographies, and romantic dramas.
Professor G. H. Hannurmath’s novels and literary contributions have been acknowledged with numerous awards and accolades. He received a Ph.D. from Karnatak University for his monumental essay on the works of G. H. Hannurmath and presently, Gulbarga University is preparing a grand thesis on the complete literary works of G. H. Hannurmath.
His remarkable works include “Vishwaprabhe,” a 4,000-page comprehensive compilation, and “Mahasangama,” a colossal novel written during a three-month silent retreat called “Chitaragi Chijyoti.” Moreover, he has set to music over 1,600 emotional songs in the span of eleven years.
In addition to his literary pursuits, Professor G. H. Hannurmath has served as a Kannada professor, principal, and director of Shri Jagadguru Murugharajendra Mutt’s publication division, where he oversaw the publication of 600 books. He was also the founding editor of the magazine “Paramjyoti” for 11 years. Over his lifetime, he has delivered hundreds of lectures on literature, culture, religion, yoga, and education both nationally and internationally.
For his invaluable contributions to modern Vachana literature, Professor G. H. Hannurmath was honored with the “Ramanshri Sharan” award by the Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad and Ramanashree Foundation in 2013.
Pandit Ambayya Nuli is a profession teacher. He was born on 1st June 1959 in Rayachuru taluk, Hosur district. His father, Mahadevappa Nuli, was a theater director, and his mother, Sharannamma Nuli. His wife, Smt. Devendramma Nuli, is a music enthusiast and has conducted over 1000 compositions. He has served as the Vice President of Abhinandana Audio Manavi. He has worked on over 175 audio productions.
His service in music includes composing, singing, directing music, and serving as a judge for the program “Edde Tumbi Haaduvenu.” He has also contributed to the Udaya TV serial “Kutumba Dharavahini.” He has participated in various state-level music festivals, including Kadambotsava, Hampi Utsava, Rayachuru district festival, and several programs on Kannada channels.
Pandit Ambayya Nuli has been honored with several awards, including the Excellent Teacher State Award, Svara Mandara, Gana Kokila, Megha Mallara, Sharan Satyappa, Madhura Gana Mandara, and various honors from associations and institutions. He received honors from Motagi Math, Pandit Siddharam Jambaladinni Math, and many other institutions.
He has developed his own style in singing Vachanas and Kannada light music. His music teacher was Sri Narayana Dage Rayachuru. Ambayya Nuli holds his Guruji in high regard for teaching him. For his notable service in the field of Vachana music, he has been honored by the All India Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Ramanashree Prathisthana with the Ramanashree Sharan Award in 2013.
Dr. F. G. Halakatti Kannada Nadu Kanda Adhvitiya Vyakti-Shakti. Basavadi Sharana’s vachanas, which were fading in the darkness of oblivion, were researched and published by unparalleled researchers. Their relentless efforts over 60 years have been a boon to Kannada literature. Dr. Halakatti was born in 1910 in Vijayapura and celebrated the centenary of the B.L.D.E. Institute, Vijayapura.
Dr. F. G. Halakatti’s sacrifice, dedication, and service to Kannada literature are remembered daily. In memory of his legacy, the B.L.D.E. Institute has built a memorial building. Continuous literary and cultural activities are held there. Under the leadership of Dr. M.M. Kalburgi, the primary editor, the F.G. Halakatti Research Center has published his complete works in 15 volumes (12,000 pages), a significant achievement.
Recognizing Dr. Halakatti’s life and accomplishments as a tribute to the nation, the Kannada University, Hampi, has designated his center as an international research center in 2005. Already, eight students have obtained their Ph.D. through this center. It has published seven books.
In tribute to Dr. Halakatti’s life and work, the center has established a grant of Rs. 1 lakh for the study of vachanas. It has created a well-equipped library to supplement the research of students. It houses the daily materials used by Halakatti.
Under the chairmanship of Shri M.B. Patil, the president of B.L.D.E. Institute, and the direction of Shri Shivayogi S. Tambakke and Dr. M.S. Madbhavi, the center’s activities have continuously expanded educational, cultural, and literary programs. The prestigious Kannada University, Hampi, has praised the F.G. Halakatti Research Center as an excellent center. Under the chairmanship of Shri Shivayogi S. Tambakke, the center is making continuous efforts to expand its services.
Hoping that this center will gain even greater importance on the literary map, the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Ramanashree Foundation of 2013 are proud to honor Dr. F.G. Halakatti’s contributions.
Honoring individuals who inspire and motivate others through their actions and achievements.
Dr. Meenakumari Patil was born in 1975 in the city of Bhalki, Bidar district, as the daughter of Subhash Patil and Lalitabai Patil. Meenakumari spent her childhood in poverty but, inspired by her mother, who was a staunch follower of Basavatattva (the philosophy of Basava), she excelled in academics. The courage instilled by her mother, who believed that “mother is the first guru,” served as a shield for Meenakumari.
She obtained her M.A. and Ph.D. in the subject of “Shivasharanaa Gattivalaya” from Gulbarga University. Under the guidance of Dr. Basavaraj Sabarad, she earned her Ph.D. for her research on “A Study of Aydakki Marayya Lakkamma – One Inquiry.” Dr. Meenakumari’s deep interest in Vachana literature can be attributed to the guidance and support of her revered gurus, Dr. Basalinga Pattadevaru, the Peethadhipati (head) of Hiremath, who initiated her into the study of Sharana literature from her childhood through the association and assistance of the Sri Math. Her research works such as “Dr. Channabasava Pattada Devaru,” “Ghattivalaya,” and “Ghattivalaya in Vachana Literature” stand as testimony to her dedication to Sharana literature and research.
Dr. Meenakumari Patil has been honored with the “Kayaka Ratna” award by the Bhalki Hireramath Education Society. She has also been felicitated at the Bhalki Hireramath Institution and the Bhalki Taluk Kannada Sahitya Sammelana.
Presently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Government First Grade College in Bhalki, Dr. Meenakumari Patil, in following the footsteps of Sharana, continues to tread the path laid by the Sharanas in her life, inspired by their teachings.
The Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Pratishthana are delighted to honor Dr. Meenakumari Patil with the “Ramanashree Sharana Uthejana Award” in 2013.
“Bettada nellikayi samudrada uppu ettaṇim etta sambandhavayyā” is a phrase that has drawn attention towards modern vachana poet Kumari Shweta Basavraj Karki, daughter of Shri Basavaraj Karki and Mrs. Asha Karki, born in 1989 in Ghataprabha. She has earned her B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees from Karnataka University with gold medals, showcasing her talent.
Though young, Shweta’s achievements are remarkable. She has already authored and published five modern vachana collections titled “Vachana Pallava”, “Vachana Chakori”, “Halakatti Tata to Vachana Namana”, “Vachana Kokila”, and “Vachana Basava”. She has participated in various conferences and poetic symposiums, reciting her own composed vachanas and poems. Shweta has also excelled in the fields of science and botany and has participated in numerous national-level seminars and events.
Shweta B. Karki has received accolades for her talent, including the Sir M. Vishveshvaraya Literary Award, Chetana Bal Sahitya Award, Putani Ratna, and Aralu Moggu Prashasti.
Starting her journey in modern vachana literature, Shweta B. Karki is making her mark and carving her own niche. Her contributions have been recognized with the “Ramanashree Sharana” Inspirational Award in 2013 by the All India Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Ramanashree Foundation, which brings her immense joy.
Renowned Hindustani classical and light music vocalist Shri Ravindra Soragavi was born and raised in Mahalingapura, Bagalkot district, Karnataka. He hails from a musical lineage, with his father Subhash Soragavi being a harmonium player and a recipient of the Karnataka State Award for Theatre. Ravindra received his initial musical training at home, with his father being his first guru, and he entered the stage at a young age through acting and singing. Later, he pursued music studies under Pt. Swami Sangameshwar Hiremath and Pt. Arjun Sa Nakod, excelling in his proficiency examinations.
His ability to blend classical compositions with the verses of saints, philosophical concepts, and poetical renditions has garnered him widespread acclaim. He has participated in various programs like “Tatva RasAnubhava,” “Koodala Sangama,” and “Vachana Vaibhava,” which were broadcasted on television. He has also been instrumental in shows like “Ede Tumbi Haaduvenu” on ETV Kannada and “Sarigamapa” on Zee TV.
Ravindra Soragavi’s performances in numerous prestigious music festivals and his contributions to the field of Vachana music have earned him accolades such as the Karnataka Film Academy’s Best Male Playback Singer, Mayura Award, and the Shri Basaveshwara Sadbhavana Award. As a member of the Karnataka Music and Dance Academy, he has been actively involved in organizing music events and teaching music to students, thus carrying forward the musical tradition.
For his dedication and service to the field of Vachana music, Ravindra Soragavi has been honored with the “Ramanashree Sharana” Inspir
Bringing together writers, artists, organizers, orators, coordinators, and activists, the Vachana Jyoti Balaga of Bangalore is a progressive institution that tirelessly works towards the advancement of our culture, without any discord, in a genuine manner.
The dream-child of Pandit K.P. Shivlingayya, the Vachana Jyoti Balaga, subsequently led by his son, a connoisseur of words, thoughts, and Vachanas, S. Pinakapani, emerged as a cultural organization. Pinakapani also serves as the Chief Executive of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat in Bangalore district.
For the past fifteen years, the Vachana Jyoti Balaga, along with the Sharana Hanate, has been spreading the fragrance of Kannada with immense dedication. One of their notable programs is the ‘Vachana Sanje,’ which disseminates Kannada culture from house to house. Another distinctive program is the ‘Kavi Kavya Shravana,’ which attracts literature enthusiasts from the first Kannada poet Pampa to the great poet Kuvempu. They have reached thousands of students across hundreds of schools with their ‘From School to School – Vachana Jyoti Kannada Cultural Tour.’
Their ‘Vachana Amruta Varshini’ festival has become a cultural celebration for both young and old alike.
The Balaga annually confers the ‘Shivling Prashasti’ in honor of Pandit K.P. Shivlingayya.
Having gathered twenty-four vocalists and more than fifteen thousand admirers, the rendition of Vachanas to the revered Dr. Sri Sri Sri Shivakumara Swamiji by the Vachana Jyoti Balaga remains a memorable event.
Despite any financial benefits, solely powered by determination, the Vachana Jyoti Balaga has been serving the propagation of Sharana literature and culture. It is with great joy that the Akhila Bharat Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Foundation extend the ‘Ramanashree Sharana’ award to the Vachana Jyoti Balaga since 2013.
Check out the moments captured from the award ceremony through pictures.
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