Arts, Culture & Entertainment

YuvaSpark founder Akarsh Shroff of Bengaluru conferred National Youth Award

Recognition for his ‘commitment to improving quality of early childhood education at anganwadi centres in India’.

Akarsh Shroff of Bengaluru was conferred the prestigious National Youth Award on April 3 for his ‘commitment to improving quality of early childhood education at anganwadi centres in India’.

The award was conferred during a ceremony at Parliament House in Delhi by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya. The event was organised to honour award recipients of both this and the previous year. A total of 22 awardees were honoured across both the years.

The National Youth Awardis conferred by the Ministry of Youth Affairs to recognise the excellent efforts of youth working towards national development and social service. The prize recognises work in health, research, culture, human rights, tourism, education, sports, innovation, community service, by people under the age of 30.

Akarsh founded YuvaSpark as a 17-year-old high school student in 2018. The organisation has built technology platforms that have digitised learning at over 600 anganwadi centres across rural India. To enhance quality of education at anganwadis (early childhood education centres in rural India), YuvaSpark’s digital platform is periodically providing teachers with custom-curated interactive vernacular language academic content.

Apart from this, the organisation runs programmes to improve infrastructure at orphanages, enhance library infrastructure in government schools, and provide smart learning devices to special schools.

The organisation has impacted the lives of 3,46,000 children across 10 States by engaging over 700 volunteers from 35 institutions, and has raised ₹2.5 crore in funding from Amazon, BCG, Indian Oil, MNGL, SECI, and other companies.

After graduating from one of India’s most prominent institutions, BITS Pilani, in 2022, Akarsh opted out of placements and chose to devote his time to improving the quality of education for children in India.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Udupi: Rajaram Tallur’s book ‘Karidabbi’ receives Sahitya Akademi Award for thoughtful writing

Writer and columnist Rajaram Tallur’s book ‘Karidabbi’ has been honored with the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi’s 2022 Book Award for best thoughtful writing. The award was presented on March 25 at a ceremony held at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru by the state’s minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi.

The event was attended by senior writer Dr Hampanagarajayya, Karnataka Sahitya Akademi president L N Mukundaraj, secretary of the Kannada and Culture department Dr N Manjula, director of the Kannada and culture department K M Gayatri, and several other dignitaries.

During the ceremony, the Sahitya Akademi’s Honorary Award and Sahitya Shri Awards for the year 2023 were also presented.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Mangaluru: Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy announces honorary, book awards for 2024

The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy has announced its honorary and book awards for 2024, academy president Stany Alvares said.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, March 13, he said the awards will be presented on March 23 at Konkani Bhavan, Vijayanagar, Mysuru, in an event organized by the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy in association with the Konkani Christian Association, Mysuru.

Honorary awards:

Konkani Literature: Patrick Camil Moras
Konkani Art: Joel Pereira
Konkani Folk: Sobina Mothesh Kambrekar

Book awards:

Felcy Lobo – Palva Ponth (poetry)
Valerian Sequiera – Shetham Batam Thotamni (novel)

The honorary awards carry a cash prize of Rs 50,000, while the book awards come with Rs 25,000 each.

The award ceremony will be inaugurated by Chamaraja constituency MLA K Harish Gowda and presided over by academy president Stany Alvares. MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, MLC Dr Thimayya, Rajyotsava awardee Valerian D’Souza, and joint director of the Kannada and Culture Department, Mysuru region, V N Mallikarjuna Swamy, will be the guests of honor.

“We received Rs 58 lac in funding for the academy last year and have requested Rs 1 crore this year,” Alvares said.

He further mentioned that Rs 2-3 crore is needed to complete the construction of Konkani Bhavan at Urwa, which remains unfinished. “We are doing our best to secure the necessary funds to complete the work,” he added.

Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy members Naveen Lobo, Ronald Crasta, Elias Fernandes, and others were present.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

India Post pays tribute to Puneeth Rajkumar with special edition picture postcards on his 50th b’day

In a heartfelt tribute to late Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar, India Post has launched a special series of picture postcards to mark his 50th birth anniversary.

The commemorative postcards, featuring iconic moments from Puneeth’s illustrious career, were unveiled in the presence of his family members and senior postal department officials. The initiative aims to celebrate the actor’s enduring legacy and immense contribution to Kannada cinema.

Fans and well-wishers have welcomed the move, calling it a fitting tribute to the beloved ‘Power Star.’ Puneeth, known for his philanthropy and charismatic screen presence, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of millions.

The decision to name the road after Puneeth was approved by the government in recognition of his immense contributions to cinema and society. Former revenue minister R Ashoka had praised Puneeth’s philanthropic spirit, highlighting his selfless act of endorsing Nandini Milk, a Karnataka Milk Federation product, without charging a fee, solely to support farmers.

The inauguration event saw the presence of Puneeth’s family, including his brothers, Kannada stars Shivarajkumar and Raghavendra Rajkumar, along with his wife, Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar.

In another acknowledgment of his influence, prime minister Narendra Modi, during a gathering in Bengaluru in February 2023, invited Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar as a special guest. The event also featured prominent film personalities such as ‘KGF: Chapter 2’ star Yash, ‘Kantara’ actor-director Rishab Shetty, and Hombale Films producer Vijay Kiragandur.

Puneeth Rajkumar, the youngest son of Kannada cinema legend Dr Rajkumar, passed away on October 29, 2021. A versatile artiste who shined on both the big and small screens, he was equally admired for his charitable initiatives and humanitarian efforts.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

India Paddle Festival 2025: Top global athletes to compete at Sasihithlu Beach

The much-anticipated India Paddle Festival, the country’s premier international stand-up paddling event, returns for its second edition from March 7 to 9 at the picturesque Sasihithlu Beach. This year’s event will feature a stellar lineup, headlined by World No. 2 Christian Andersen and former world champion Daniel Hasulyo, promising a thrilling three-day showcase of elite paddling talent.

Alongside Andersen and Hasulyo, the festival will also feature the defending women’s champion Esperanza Barreras, a four-time world champion, and South Africa’s rising star Chiara Vorster. The men’s category will bring fierce competition, with athletes like Spain’s Antonio Morillo and Denmark’s “Polar Bear” Christian Andersen battling for the top spot.

India’s own Sekar Patchai, the reigning national champion and a 25-time title-holder, will lead the home charge, representing the nation’s growing stand-up paddling prowess. He will be joined by Manikandan, one of the country’s most promising paddlers, as they take on international rivals in what promises to be an action-packed contest.

The festival is organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation and Mantra Surf Club, with support from Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism, Government of India) and Karnataka Tourism. Sanctioned by the Association of PaddleSurf Professionals (APP) World Tour, the official World Championship Tour for stand-up paddling, the event will feature intense SUP racing across multiple formats, including sprint, technical, and distance races. In addition to the thrilling competitions, the festival will offer live music and vibrant cultural celebrations, creating an exciting atmosphere for spectators and participants alike.

With over 40 paddlers from across the globe set to compete in four categories—men’s open, women’s open, junior U-16 boys, and girls—the India Paddle Festival 2025 will further strengthen India’s reputation as an emerging hub for non-motorized water sports. This milestone event comes on the heels of India’s recent achievement in securing its first-ever surfing quota for the Asian Games, marking a new chapter in the country’s growing interest and success in water sports.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Ramadasa Bhat, Geetha Shenoy chosen for Konkani theatre and translation awards

The Vishwa Konkani Kendra has chosen Gulvady Ramadasa Dattatreya Bhat and Geetha Shenoy for the P. Dayananda Pai Vishwa Konkani Ranga Shreshta Puraskara and P. Dayananda Pai Bhashanuvada Puraskara respectively.

Kendra president Nandagopal Shenoy in a statement here said the awards comprising ₹1 lakh purse and citation, would be presented during the Vishwa Konkani Natakotsava to be held on February 8 at T.V. Raman Pai Convention Hall, Mangaluru.

Attracted to theatre at a very young age, Mr. Bhat during his eight decades amateur theatre life has been an expert in makeup, sound and light, acting and direction in conventional plays, particularly historic ones, including Prachandra Prashu, Atmalinga, Santha Jnaneshwara, Tulasi Jalandhara, etc. Presently settled in Goa, he is an expert he has made a name in Konkani theatre from Mangaluru to Mumbai, Mr. Shenoy said.

Ms. Geetha Shenoy has translated Vachana Sahitya, Kanakadasa Sahitya, Kuvempu Sahitya etc., to Konkani. She has also translated 21 Konkani story-novels to Kannada, four Kannada works to Konkani and 16 English works to Kannada.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Karnataka State Film Awards 2019: Sudeep wins best actor award, P Sheshadri’s ‘Mohandas’ best film

Actors Sudeep (for ‘Pailwan’) and Anupama Gowda (for ‘Trayambakam’) won the best actor awards.

P Sheshadri’s ‘Mohandas’, a biographical film following the events of Mahatma Gandhi’s childhood, topped the Karnataka State Film Awards, for 2019, winning the Best Film Award.

The Karnataka government on Wednesday, announced the list of winners.

Actors Sudeep (for ‘Pailwan’) and Anupama Gowda (for ‘Trayambakam’) won the best actor awards. Darling Krishna’s romantic drama ‘Love Mocktail’ and Y Srinivas’s ‘Arghyam’ are named as the second and third best films respectively.

Girish Kasaravalli’s ‘Illiralaare Allige Hogalaare’ has been presented with the Best Story Award for Jayant Kaikini. The film is an adaptation of Kaikini’s short story, ‘Haalina Meese’.

‘Love Mocktail’ also won the Best Screenplay Award; Baraguru Ramachandrappa for Best Dialogues (‘Amruthamathi’). The Beary-language film ‘Triple Talaq’ won the Best Film in Regional Language of Karnataka Award.

‘Elli Aadodu Naavu Elli Aadodu’ directed by G Arun Kumar and ‘Gopala Gandhi’ by Nagesh N have been picked as the Best Children’s Film and Best Film by a Debut Director, respectively.

While V Harikrishna won the Best Music Director award for ‘Yajamaana’, Raghu Dixit won the Best Playback Singer (male) award for ‘Love Mocktail); Jayadevi Jingama Shetty for Best Playback Singer (Female) for ‘Raga Bhairavi’

The Karnataka State Film Awards have been due since 2019. A committee was formed last year for the same.

The other awards include — Best Popular Film: ‘India vs England’ (Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar), Best Film on Social Causes: ‘Kanneri’ (Manjunath S), Best Editing: Basavaraj Urs (‘Jhansi IPS’), Best Art Direction: Hosmane Murthy (‘Mohandas’), Best Cinematography: G S Bhaskar (‘Mohandas’), Best Actor in Supporting Role (Male): Tabala Nani (‘Chemistry for Kariappa’), Best Actor in Supporting (Female): Anusha Krishna (‘Brahmi’), Best Child Actor (Male): Preetam (‘Minchulu’) and Best Child Actor (Female): Vaishnavi Adiga (‘Sugandhi’).

source/content: deccanherald.com (headline edited)

Dalai Lama arrives at Bylakuppe Camp, Jan 2025

Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama, arrived this morning at the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement Camp in Mysuru district, for an extended stay. His last brief visit to Bylakuppe was in 2017.

The Dalai Lama departed from his Thekchen Choeling residence in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, on Jan. 3. After a day’s stay in New Delhi, his special flight arrived in Bengaluru on Jan. 4 at 2 pm.

Following his stay at a hotel where he was welcomed by over 600 Tibetan students from various colleges and Tibetan businessmen, the Dalai Lama’s helicopter took off from Bengaluru at 9.30 am and landed at Tibetan Dickey Larsoe (TDL) in the Tibetan First Camp, Bylakuppe, at 11 am. A basketball court at TDL was converted into a helipad.

His Holiness was received according to protocol by Mysuru Assistant Commissioner Vijay Kumar, Mysuru SP N. Vishnuvardhana, Kushalnagar Tahsildar J. Nisargapriya and other officials.

Thousands greet their Guru

The Dalai Lama was escorted in a procession from the helipad to the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery — a four-kilometre route — where thousands of monastics, Tibetan monks, nuns, schoolchildren and Bylakuppe residents lined both sides of the road to pay their respects.

They were holding ceremonial scarves and incense sticks to greet His Holiness and seek his blessings. People in their finest traditional attire had lined up hours in advance to welcome their Guru.

Upon reaching the fully adorned and artistically painted Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the Dalai Lama was guided by Abbot Zeekyab Rinpoche to an elevated seat resembling a throne, where a prayer in his honour was scheduled for 15 minutes as per Tibetan rituals and culture. Lunch was arranged at the monastery, followed by rest.

Accompanying the Dalai Lama at the Tibetan Camp are 400 Police personnel and teams of officers from Dharamshala who have been accommodated inside the Tibetan Camp as they will stay till the spiritual leader leaves Mysuru. Hundreds of monks have arrived from Ladakh and Dharamshala in preparation for his stay.

Prayer sessions, interactions

The prayer sessions, visiting schedules and blessings sessions have not yet been finalised. After a two-day rest, the Dalai Lama is scheduled to hold prayer sessions, interactions and enlightenment sessions with a 15,000-strong crowd of monks.

This is the Dalai Lama’s first trip outside Dharamshala since his return on Aug. 28 following knee surgery in New York City. Officials at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery stated that His Holiness would spend the majority of his time in the settlements at this monastery. It was also mentioned that he may remain in Bylakuppe until Tibetan Losar (New Year) which falls in February.

Subject to his health, he may conduct teachings and grant some audiences at the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. Bylakuppe hosts the second-largest population of Tibetans living in exile after Dharamshala.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

Udupi: Sharina Alisha Mathias crowned Miss South India 2024

Sharina Alisha Mathias, a 20-year-old from Perampalli, Udupi, has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the prestigious Miss South India 2024 title.

The event, hosted by CLM Modeling Agency, took place at Poornima Regency in Bengaluru on December 29, 2024. Sharina emerged victorious among 13 contestants, impressing the judges with her poise, confidence, and charismatic personality.

Sharina, the daughter of Sunil and Anitha Mathias, is a final-year student at Poornaprajna College, Udupi. Her journey to the crown includes notable achievements, such as being crowned Miss Tulunad 2023 2nd runner-up and Miss Coastalwood 2023 1st runner-up.

The event celebrated beauty, grace, and talent, with contestants from across South India competing for the coveted title. Sharina’s impressive performance secured the top spot, bringing immense pride to her hometown.

Speaking about her victory, Sharina expressed gratitude to her family, friends, and mentors for their unwavering support throughout her journey.

Sharina’s achievement has brought pride to her college and community, solidifying her position as a rising star in the world of beauty and talent.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Hoysala Award 2024 Ceremony, Mysuru on Jan. 5

The following 18 achievers from various fields have been selected for the State-level prestigious Hoysala Award for 2024 given by Hoysala Kannada Sangha and Savigannada Pathrika Balaga:

K.T. Veerappa (Literature); Dr. Aralumallige Parthasarathy (Spiritual and Dasa Literature); Dr. Gajanana Sharma (Literature); Dr. B.S. Pranatharthiharan (Literature and Akashvani Service); Dr. H.T. Shailaja (Literature and Education); Dr. T.R. Anantharamu (Science Literature); Dr. K.S. Sadananda (Medical); Dr. S.N. Hegde (Science Literature); Dr. K. Kumar (Dance); M.V. Roopa (Space Science); N.V. Dinesh (Education); Vidwan M.S. Naveen (Classical Music); Shringar Sanjivashetty (Industry and Social Service); Yashasvi Somashekhar (Industry and Rotary Service); Vidushi K.S. Ramamani (Classical Music); Dr. Janardana Bhat (Literature); R.A. Chetan Ram (Education and Personality Development) and S.K. Suresh (Social Service).

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)