Dr. C. Somashekhar was born on August 9, 1954, in Hossakote, a rural area in the Bangalore district. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Bangalore University.
Dr. C. Somashekhar has actively participated in various speech, debate, and essay competitions, winning several awards. He holds a Ph.D. from Kannada University for his profound essay on “Social Thought in Vachanas.” He has compiled a collection of intellectual articles titled “Chintana Chilume” and has curated the work “Chintana Kirana.”
He has earned a reputation for his efficient work in various government departments. Having served as the District Collector of Tumkur, he garnered public acclaim for his effective administration. He retired as a Director in the Department of Cooperation. During his tenure, he actively promoted the teachings of Sharana literature by participating in national-level conferences, ensuring the dissemination of Sharana vachanas to all.
Dr. C. Somashekhar’s expertise in articulating and interpreting Sharana literature has been commendable. He founded the institution “Basava Vedikey” in Bangalore to serve and recognize individuals contributing to Sharana literature, awarding them the “Basava Shri” accolade.
Various organizations and revered figures have conferred numerous honors upon him. The Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Ramanashree Foundation honored him with the “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2016.
Dr. M. N. Jayarayya was born on May 6, 1950, in Mysore. He obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Mysore University and holds a Ph.D. in Law from the same university.
Proficient in poetry, short stories, novels, criticism, research, biography, and translation, Dr. Jayarayya has published over 300 research papers and more than 32 books in both Kannada and English. His notable works include a Ph.D. thesis titled “Dalit Shaiva Saints in Ancient Karnataka,” “Dalit Bandaya Tradition in Kannada Literature,” and “Dr. B.R. Ambedkar – A Study.”
As a professor at the Kannada Studies Institute of Mysore University, Dr. Jayarayya served with distinction before retiring. He has been a member of various academic bodies at Mysore and Hampi Kannada Universities, contributing his wealth of experience.
Recognized with awards such as the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, Sahitya Akademi Award, World Humanity Award, Dr. Ambedkar Award, Mysore University Golden Jubilee Award, and Dr. H. Narasimhaiah Award, Dr. M. N. Jayarayya is esteemed as one of Karnataka’s eminent jurists.
For his significant contributions to Vachana literature research, Dr. M. N. Jayarayya has been honored with the Ramanashree Sharana Award in 2016 by the All India Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Ramanashree Foundation.
Dr. Basavaraj P. Siddhashram, who serves as a professor in the Department of Philosophy at Bangalore University and Karnataka University in Dharwad, was born on June 1, 1950, in Kalghatgi Taluk, Dharwad district. He has held esteemed positions such as the founder chairman of the International Congress of Social Philosophy, the International Congress of Yoga, and the Karnataka Philosophy Council. With over 40 years of teaching experience, he has also served as a member of the UGC’s Inspection Committee.
His deep studies encompass various fields including Indian philosophy, yoga philosophy, educational philosophy, Gandhian philosophy, socio-political philosophy, religious studies, Sharana literature, and Kannada literature. He has authored numerous fundamental works, especially on Ambigara Chowdayya in the context of Vachana literature. His innovative contributions to the composition of Vachanas reflect decades of meaningful service in the field of teaching. He has been honored with accolades such as the Sri Murugharajendra Matha Award, the Jeevamana Award from SICI in New Delhi, and the Vijaya Mahanteshwara Matha Award, among others.
Having participated in numerous national and international conferences, he has been a recipient of several prestigious awards. Dr. Basavaraj P. Siddhashram takes pride in his significant contributions to the field of Vachana literature through the Ramanashree Pratishthana and the Ramanashree Sharan Literature. He was honored with the 2016 Ramanashree Sharan Award by the Akhila Bharat Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Foundation for his remarkable service.
In the realm of Hindustani classical music, as well as in devotional and expressive genres like bhajans and bhava geet, Mrs. Sangeeta Katti Kulkarni has pursued unparalleled excellence. Born on October 7, 1970, to Dr. H.A. Katti and Mrs. Bharati Katti, she is esteemed as a leading artist among the Indian youth community.
Initiating her musical journey under the guidance of her father, she received blessings from the legendary music maestro Ustad Naujath Ali Khan at the age of four. Subsequently, she received formal training in classical music under the tutelage of Pandit Basavaraj Rajguru. Through relentless practice, she has excelled not only in classical music but also in bhajans, vachanas, bhava geet, and folk songs.
Participating in various cultural festivals such as the Mysore Dasara, Hampi Utsav, Savai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav, and Mahakumbh Mela, she has showcased her talent extensively. She has also spread the essence of Indian music in countries like the USA and others.
Honored with accolades like the Suvarna Karnataka Rajyotsava Award-2006 and the Pandit Basavaraj Rajguru National Award-2011, among many others, she has gained popularity as a beloved recipient of numerous prestigious awards.
In recognition of her significant contributions to the field of vachana music, the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Ramanashree Foundation conferred upon her the prestigious “Ramanashree Sharana Award” in 2016, expressing their deep admiration for her service to the realm of music.
The great contribution given to the tradition of world philosophers and scholars by Karnataka, Akkamahadevi, born in Udatadi village of Shikaripura taluk in Shivamogga district of Karnataka, rejecting the state wealth, worldly pleasures, and materialistic life, and accepting her beloved deity, Mallikarjuna, as her husband, Akkamahadevi’s life is indeed a magnificent epic.
The historic village of Udatadi, adorned with such fame, has become a place of pilgrimage, attracting people from every corner, thanks to the success achieved by Akkamahadevi Samiti, which was formed to uphold the legacy of Akkamahadevi and to promote cultural, social, and literary programs in Udatadi.
Mrs. Leeladevi R. Prasad, Chairperson of Akkamahadevi Samiti, Udatadi, a rare woman with extraordinary talent, a homemaker, a writer, a social activist, and a multi-talented woman, has made significant contributions to the society by introducing Akka’s life and achievements to the contemporary world. This Samiti organizes various social, cultural, and literary events in Udatadi, which has facilitated the construction of Akkamahadevi Rangamandira in her honor. A beautiful statue of Akkamahadevi has also been installed here. The credit for these endeavors goes to Mrs. Leeladevi R. Prasad, Chairperson of Akkamahadevi Samiti.
Under the leadership of Mrs. Leeladevi R. Prasad, Akkamahadevi Samiti has nurtured and expanded the field of Akkamahadevi in Udatadi. This Samiti, which is conducting numerous social, cultural, and literary activities in Udatadi, has received the ‘Ramanashree Sharana Award 2016’ in recognition of its significant contributions. Although this award belongs to Akkamahadevi Samiti, it acknowledges the dedication and sacrifice of Mrs. Leeladevi R. Prasad and many other activists.
Honoring individuals who inspire and motivate others through their actions and achievements.
Dr. Raghusankha Bhatambra, well-known by the poetic name “Raghusankha,” hails from the village of Bhatambra in the Bhalki taluk of Bidar district. Born on January 1, 1970, to Smt. Guramma and Shri Shankarappa Kharabe, he has dedicated his life to the study of the teachings and values of the Vachana poets, which are two significant areas of research.
His collections of poetry, “Eradu Mukha” and “Hrudayalada Novugalu,” exemplify innovative concepts in Vachana literature. His contributions to the field of Vachana literature include the exploration of new ideas, critical analyses, and understanding of the values of Vachana writers such as Sharana Sharanesha. He has received accolades for his work from organizations like the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Ramanashree Foundation, including the prestigious “Ramanashree Sharana Uthtejana Prashasti” in 2016.
Dr. Raghusankha Bhatambra has conducted research on the freedom movement in the Bidar region during 2015-16 and has been awarded a fellowship of one lakh rupees by the Karnataka Sahitya Academy, Bengaluru. He has also been honored by numerous other organizations for his contributions to research, editing, critique, and creative writing.
The Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Ramanashree Foundation express their admiration by awarding the “Ramanashree Sharana Uthtejana Prashasti” in 2016 for Dr. Raghusankha Bhatambra’s research work on Vachana literature.
Kaviyatri, author, and stage actress Mrs. B. Swarnagauri, originally trained in pharmaceutical science, but deeply passionate about Kannada literature. Hailing from Devanhalli in the Bengaluru Rural district, she was influenced by the vachana literature of her parents, Basappa and Prabhushantamma. Guided by her mother, even after marriage, she continued her studies and wrote numerous articles on Sharana literature. With a poetic mindset, she has also contributed significantly to modern vachana literature.
Her collection of poems titled “Bhava Tunturu,” published in various magazines, reflects the ups and downs of the lives of stage actresses. These articles, published in magazines, are compiled under the title “Rangabhoomiya Raginiyar” (Queens of the Stage). Additionally, her work “Nene Manave” (Remember, O Mind) is based on the lives of philanthropists and has been published. She has served as the chairperson of the Bengaluru Rural District First Women’s Literary Conference and has participated in national poetry conferences.
The Akhil Bharat Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Ramanashree Pratishthana have honored Mrs. B. Swarnagauri with the Ramanashree Sharana Uthtejana Award in 2016 for her contributions to vachana literature.
Mr. Fakirish Kanavi and Mrs. Shanta Kanavi’s daughter, Miss Malaashri F. Kanavi, was born on September 2, 1987. She holds a postgraduate degree in music from Gulbarga University.
Blessed with music education from her father, she began her journey into music at a young age. Excelling remarkably, she became a renowned vocalist in a very short span of time, earning fame in both light music (Grade ‘A’ of All India Radio) and Hindustani classical music (Grade ‘High’ artist). She has conducted numerous music programs on All India Radio and television.
Acknowledged for her contributions, she has organized numerous music concerts locally and internationally. Her pinnacle achievement was winning accolades till the final round in the highly popular program “Ede Tumbi Haaduvenu” on ETV Kannada. Alongside classical music, she has a remarkable command over devotional and soulful songs, making her performances widely appreciated.
Recognized by the Akhil Bharatiya Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Ramanashree Foundation, Miss Malaashri F. Kanavi’s service to the field of devotional music earned her the ‘Ramanashree Sharana Utsaha Award’ in 2016.
In 2004, the “Vishwabharati Ramya Natya Sangha” was established in Shirur, Kundagola taluk, founded by Basavaraj Bengeri, rural theater artists. Over the span of thirty-five years, they have enriched society with a blend of sweet and bitter experiences, nurturing both agriculture and acting simultaneously, becoming the heartthrobs of theater lovers in North Karnataka. Recognized for their commitment to the craft, they have presented numerous plays reflecting exceptional moral values and social consciousness, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape.
Basavaraj Bengeri has authored five plays, acted in twelve, composed three original musical scores, and served renowned theater institutions. They have also collaborated with various organizations, expanding their influence beyond state boundaries through television and government programs. Their radio dramas have reached widespread acclaim.
Known for their ability to foster harmony and promote social values through theater, the Vishwabharati Ramya Natya Sangha, under the leadership of Basavaraj Bengeri, has been a pioneer in the realm of intellectual discourse and artistic expression. Their production “Jagajyothi Basaveshwara” has resonated with audiences across Karnataka and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural consciousness. Their theatrical presentations have been lauded and honored by governments, numerous institutions, and the public alike.
The Vishwabharati Ramya Natya Sangha, spearheaded by Basavaraj Bengeri, has been recognized and honored by the Akhil Bharatiya Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanshri Foundation for their invaluable service to the world of theater.
Check out the moments captured from the award ceremony through pictures.
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