Category: Records, Bengaluru (Bangalore)

KARNATAKA: Kannada Rajyotsava Award 2022 Winners List

The Karnataka government has announced the Kannada Rajyotsava Award winners for the year 2022 to coincide with the celebrations of the Karnataka formation day. Here’s a look at achievers from all walks of life who have won the award for the year 2022

Kannada Rajyotsava Awards 2022 winners

Complex Constituency -Subbaram Shetty (Bangalore), Vidwan Gopala Krishna Sharma (Bangalore), Mrs. Soligara Madam (Chamarajanagar) Soldier- Subedar BK Kumaraswamy (Bangalore) Journalism-HR Srisha (Bangalore), GM Shirahatti (Gadag) Agriculture-Ganesh Thimmaiah(Kodagu), Chandrasekhar Narayanapura(Chikkamagaluru) Science and Technology-K.Sivan, DR Baluragi Environment-Salumada Ninganna Civil Works Sector-Mallamma Vulaishadagali Administration-L.H.Manjunath, Madan Gopal Horanadu-Devidasa Shetty, Arvind Patil, Krishnamurthy Manja Overseas-Gulf Countries Rajkumar Medicine-Dr.H.S.Mohan, Dr.Basavanthappa Theater-Tippanna Helavar, Lalitabai Channadasar, Gurunath Hoogar, Prabhakar Joshi, Srishaila Huddar Sangeet-Narayana.M, Ananthacharya Balacharya, Anjinappa Satpadi , Ananta Kulkarni Folklore-Samadevappa Erappa Nadiger, Gudda Panara, Kamalamma Sulagithi, Savitri Pujar, Rachaiah Salimath,

A complex field
Subbarama Shetty (Bangalore),
Vidwan Gopal Krishna Sharma (Bangalore),
Mrs. Soligara Madam (Chamarajanagar)

Soldier
Subedar BK Kumaraswamy (Bangalore)

Journalism
H.R. Srisha (Bangalore),
GM Shirahatti (Gadag)

Agriculture
Ganesh Thimmaiah (Kodagu),
Chandrasekhar Narayanpur (Chikkamagaluru)

Science and Technology
K. Sivan (Bangalore)
D.R.Baluragi (Raichur)

The Environment
Salumada Ninganna (Ramanagar)

Civil Service Sector
Mallamma Flower Boat (Vijayanagar)

Administration
L.H. Manjunath (Shivamogga),
Madan Gopal (Bangalore)

Abroad
Devidas Shetty (Mumbai),
Arvind Patil (Overseas),
Krishnamurthy Manja (Telangana)

Abroad
Rajkumar of Gulf Country (Gulf Nation)

Medical
Dr. H. S. Mohan (Shivamogga)
Dr. Basavanthappa (Davanagere)

Social service
Ravishetti (South Kannada)
Kariappa (Bangalore Rural)
MS Cory Shetter (Haveri)
D. Madegowda (Mysore)
Balbir Singh (Bidar)

The Broadcasting industry
BV Naidu (Bangalore)
Jayaram Banan (Udupi)
Srinivas (Kolar)

Theater
Tippanna Helavar (Yadagiri)
Lalitabai Channadasar (Vijaypur)
Gurunath Hoogar (Kalaburgi)
Prabhakar Joshi (Udupi)
Srishaila Huddar (Haveri)

Music
Narayan.M (South Kannada)
Anantacharya Balacharya (Dharwad)
Anjinappa Satpadi (Chikkaballapur)
Ananta Kulkarni (Bagalakot)

Folklore
Samadevappa Erappa Nadiger (Northern Kannada)
Gudda Panara-Divine Dancer (Udupi)
Kamalamma Midwife (Raichur)
Savitri Pujar (Dharwad)
Rachaiah Salimath (Balakote),
Mahadeshwar Gowda Lingadahalli, Veeragase (Haveri)

Sculpture
Parushuram Pawar (Bagalakot),
Hanumanthappa Balappa Hukkeri (Belagavi)

Painting
Sannarangappa Chitrakar-Kinna’s Art (Koppal)

Movie
Duttanna (Chitradurga), Avinash (Bangalore)

Television
Bittersweet Moon (Bangalore)

Yakshagana
MA Naik (Udupi)
Subrahmanya Dhareshwar (Uttar Kannada)
Sarapadi Ashok Shetty (South Kannada)

Open
Advaiah Cha Hiremath-Doddata (Dharwad)
Shankarappa Mallappa Horpet (Koppal)
H. Pandurangappa (Bellary)

Literature
Shankar Chachadi (Belagavi)
Krishna Gowda (Mysore)
Ashoka Babu Nilagarh (Belgavi)
A. Ra Mitra (Hassan)
Ramakrishna Marathe (Kalaburgi)

Education-
Koti Rangappa (Tumkur)
MG Nagaraj – Researcher (Bangalore)

Sports
Dattatreya Govinda Kulkarni (Dharwad)
Raghavendra Annekar (Belagavi)

Judiciary
Venkatachalapathy (Bangalore)
Nanjundereddy (Bangalore)

Dance
Kamalakshacharya (South Kannada)

Amrita Mahotsava Rajyotsava Award of Independence-2022

Ramakrishna Ashram (Mysore)
Lingayat Progressive Organization (Gadag)
Agadi Tota (Haveri)
Thalassemia and Haemophilia Society (Bagalakote)
Amrita Shishu Niwas (Bangalore)
Sumana Foundation (Bangalore)
Yuva Vahini Organization (South Kannada)
Nele Foundation-Orphan Rehabilitation Center (Bangalore)
Nammane Summane – Refugee Ashram (Mangalmukhi Institute (Bangalore)
Uma Maheshwari Backward Classes Development Trust (MANDYA)

source/content: english.sakshi.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: ARTS & CULTURE: ‘Koti Kantha Gayana’ – 1.5 Crore People Sing 6 Classic Kannada Songs & State Anthem in One Voice at 11 am(IST) Friday 28th October

From the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru and the high seas off Malpe coast in Udupi, Kannada pride reverberated across the world with about 1.5 crore people singing six classic Kannada songs, including the state anthem at the same time at 11 am (IST).

As part of the ‘Koti Kantha Gayana’ programme on Friday — a precursor to the Rajyotsava celebrations on November 1 — citizens, government officials, politicians, students and eminent people gathered at various places within and outside the country to sing together in Kannada. Minister for Kannada and Culture V Sunil Kumar said programmes were held at 10,000 locations in 50 countries, including 27 states in India.

Adorned in state flag colours – yellow and red – they sang songs including ‘Udayavagali Namma Cheluva Kannada Naadu’, ‘Baarisu Kannada Dindimava’, ‘Hachevu Kannadada Deepa’ and ‘Vishwa Vinuthana Vidya Chetana’, besides the state anthem.

‘Koti Kanta Gayana’, a golden day for K’taka: Bommai

At many places, family members of government staffers were also invited to join the event, with some taking an oath that they will use Kannada in their office work and will introduce the language to those who are not familiar with it.

In some places, songs were being played in the background. Special teams of musicians were called at the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) head office in Bengaluru. Over 1,000 officers and staffers attended the programme. Similarly, over 2,000 people gathered at the Bengaluru city police commissioner’s office on Mahaveer Jain Road (Infantry Road). Crowds gathered at the KSRTC office and Bengaluru University Jnanabharathi campus as well. Over 3,000 staffers of Bannerghatta Biological Park and students from various government schools participated in an event held at the zoo premises at 11 am.

In Udupi, over 100 fishing boats sailed far out into the sea off the Malpe coast as they took part in the event with enthusiasm. In Dakshina Kannada, an event was held at Panambur Beach as people sang the Kannada songs on cruise and fishing boats. These songs were sung in villages and towns across the state. Even those travelling on flights took part in the programme.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that through the ‘Koti Kanta Gayana’, great respect was shown to Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, and the state government is determined to build a bright future for Karnataka and Kannada.

Speaking to reporters after launching the event at Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, Bommai termed it a golden day for the state of Karnataka. He said this could be a world record.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: ARTS & CRAFTS: Artiste, TEDx speaker Ranjita Yellur to get Srushti Kalabhushan’ Award 2022

Srushti Kalabhushan’ award, instituted by Bengaluru based Srushtikala Vidyalaya, will be awarded to talented artist Ranjita Yellur during the `Srushti Sambhrama-21′ being planned at Patthi hall in N R colony in Bengaluru on October 30.

The previous recipients of Srushti Kalabhushan award include well known writer Doddarange Gowda, Patla Satish Shetty, among others, Srushtikala Vidyalaya President Chayapathi Kanchibail. Ranjita a topper in academics is a Carnatic classical vocalist, throwball champion, empaneled as speaker by TEDx and a Yakshagana artist.

Ranjitha also has won state level debate competitions and management fests. Ranjita has staged hundreds of Yakshagana programmes under Kadri Balayaksha Koota and Yaksha Koota. Her roles as Babruvahana, Sudarshana, Bhargava, Narakasura, Bramarakunthale, among others have drawn wide appreciation even from critics also.

Ranjitha who learnt Yakshagana from her father Ramachandra Bhat Yellur when she was just a three year-old child also had participated in the documentation of Yakshagana at Rhastrapathi Bhavan.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: AVIATION & TRAVEL: RECORD: First Commercial Flight of the Worlds Largest Passenger Aircraft Lands at KIA on October 14th. Bengaluru’s Captain Nikhil Thiagarajan and First Officer Sandeep Prabhu who Piloted Emirates Airbus A380 on Cloud Nine after the Historic Flight to Bengaluru City

Emirates Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, touched down at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on October 14. It marked the first commercial flight of the aircraft to the South Indian city’s airport.

It was a historic moment for Bengaluru when Emirates Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, touched down at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on October 14. It marked the first commercial flight of the aircraft to the South Indian city’s airport.

Also two important individuals who were part of the landmark moment are the pilots – Captain Nikhil Thiagarajan and first officer Sandeep Prabhu, both hailing from Bengaluru.

Thiagarajan told indianexpress.com that the touchdown in Bengaluru last Friday was indeed a great ‘milestone’ in his career. “As I consider Bengaluru my hometown, it was very exciting to have the opportunity to fly the aircraft into this airport. It was an honour to land on the runway in particular as it was the first commercial flight operated with an A380, so I honestly felt privileged. Throughout the flight, excitement was building onboard as we approached the destination. Seeing the warm welcome at the airport was also a proud moment for me. It made the trip very rewarding,” he said.

Interestingly, the first officer Prabhu also made the announcements in Kannada – a script given to him by his parents Arathi Prabhu and Shivaraya Prabhu.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: U.K. PRIME MINISTER: Bengaluru Celebrates ‘son-in-law’ Rishi Sunak becoming next UK PM

The 42-year-old Sunak, who is also known as “the son-in-law of Bengaluru” was married to Akshatha Murthy, daughter of Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murty.

While the Murthys chose to maintain silence over their son-in-law making history, many others from the corporate world expressed their happiness over the development.

Along with corporate giants Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai also congratulate Rishi Sunak on being elected as the Britain Prime Minister.

Union Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Electronics and Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar, congratulated Rishi Sunak on his victory and his term as the Prime Minister of UK.

Along with congratulating, he also warned that Rishi Sunak is taking over the responsibility at a time when the whole of Europe is going through a difficult time.

“I have met him (Sunak) personally. He is a highly competent person,” Chandrasekhar said. Kamal Bali, the president and managing director of the Volvo Group India said it is a matter of joy that a person of Indian origin is becoming the Prime Minister in the UK.

“Rishi Sunak’s rise shows that anybody has an opportunity in a democratic set-up. It is a good sign, which also shows that capability matters in a democratic country,” Bali told PTI.

The former Infosys Chief Finance Officer V Balakrishnan called it a historic moment. He also said that Britain is an example to the world that a migrant can also become Prime Minister of their country. Britain is a sign of a mature democracy

Former president of the Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Jacob Crasta regarded it a matter of great pride and honour for Indians.

“It is a pride for us Bengalurians as the son-in-law of Bengaluru is becoming the Prime Minister of the UK,” Crasta told PTI.

He further informed that it is a good news for India as it will create new opportunities for the development of India UK relationship and bring more options for UK technology to come to the country.

source/content: livemint.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: SAFETY: Bengaluru becomes 2nd City in India to have 90 mts Tall Aerial Ladder Platform for the State’s Department of Fire & Emergency Services

After India’s financial capital of Mumbai, Karnataka’s capital city of Bengaluru became the second city in the country to have a 90-meter tall aerial ladder platform vehicle for the State’s Fire Services.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who dedicated the aerial ladder platform vehicle in Bengaluru on Thursday, said: “Today marks an important day for the development of Bengaluru as well as infusing a biggest strength for the Department of Fire Services.’’

The Chief Minister also flagged off “Green Deepavali,’’ a public awareness campaign on the stairs of Vidhana Soudha.

The 90 meter aerial ladder platform is a most essential and important facility and this modern ladder will work as a real friend in need,’’ he said adding: The new ladder will be put into use in BBMP limits.

“The whole world is growing on a big scale and it is a most essential service especially in all important metropolitans without which building permission is not given.,’’ Bommai said.

The Chief Minister said Fire Safety and its rules are equally important. It was essential for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to have all facilities to reach hi-rise buildings during an emergency.

Ready to Serve

The State Government is capable of solving problems, he said pointed out that Bengaluru City is growing fast and several definitions are made without understanding issues.

“The recent rains had created floods only in two constituencies and not in all 26 Assembly segments. But it was projected as if the whole Bengaluru City had submerged. In fact, Bengaluru is an important city both in national and international level and the government is capable of solving any problems of the city. It is important to present facts correctly,’’ he said.

Bommai said there are over 100 personnel working in SDRF to deal with flood situations. The State Capital has both NDRF and SDRF teams and they are capable of rescuing anyone from any part of the city.

The government had already released Rs 20 crore to buy the new equipment and another Rs 20 crore was released recently. The governments intention is o strengthen SDRF.

Instructions are given to form another two companies of SDRF for which ex-servicemen will be appointed. Already, over 100 retired defense personnel were appointed and more personnel will be recruited directly for the proposed two companies, he said. Along with modernisation and increasing numbers, even training and empowerment are also given importance. The SDRF had helped during the recent floods in different districts, he added.

The Chief Minster said till now the Bengaluru Fire Department had only a 50 meter ladder and the State capital is growing fast both horizontally and vertically. “After Mumbai City, Bengaluru has become the second city in the whole country to have a 90 meter Aerial Ladder Platform system.

Efforts were made to procure this in the last two and a half years and while he was the Home Minister the grants had been released. But it got delayed due to some reasons such as Covid-19 and production problems,’’ he said.

Bommai said permission has been given to strengthen the Department of Fire Services by sanctioning various schemes and one of them was the procurement of 90 meter aerial ladder platform.

This department rescues people in any fire mishap that occurs in any corner of the city all the 24 hours, he said.

The Chief Minster said 5,000 new vehicles are added to the fleet of vehicles daily whereas the roads have remained the same. Despite this, the police department has been managing traffic by using several technologies including synchronizing for free flow of traffic.

“I will compliment Home Minister Araga Jnanendra, Home Department and senior officials of Department of Fire Services for bringing this ladder to Bengaluru,’’ he said.

Potholes being filled up:

Steps are taken to fill up potholes across the city. New potholes have emerged due to incessant rain. Even they too are being filled up on the war-footing. It was possible to do quality works in case rain reduces. Whatever repair works done would not last long during continuous rain. But all the potholes will be filled up, Bommai said. The Chief Minister wished the people on the occasion of Deepavali festival and asked them to celebrate by using green crackers. The citizens must use the crackers of less than 125 decibels.

Earlier, the Chief Minister went in the newly dedicated aerial ladder platform along with others.

Asked about his experience, Bommai said: “I was surprised to see the design of Vidhana Soudha dome. In those days, they had taken this stone to the top of the building. I was elated to see the Ashoka Pillar from a close angle. The solace is that with the new ladder it is possible to save lives of people in fire mishaps.

As many as 7500 cameras are installed under the Nirbhaya scheme and it will be used to address the problems of traffic density and for women safety. They work on artificial intelligence and revolves 360 degree.

Home Minister Araga Jnanendra, Ministers Kota Srinivasa Pujari, S T Somashekar, Shivaram Hebbar, MP P C Mohan, MLA Niranjan Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary (Home Department) Rajneesh Goel and DGP (Fire Services) A K Pandey were present.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: SPORTS / CRICKET: Roger Binny, First World-Cup Winner, Elected as President – Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at its 91st Annual General Meeting, Mumbai

Roger Binny becomes the first World Cup-winner to become the president of the BCCI.

Former Indian cricketer Roger Binny has been appointed as the new president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The 67-year-old was elected unopposed during BCCI’s annual general meeting (AGM), which was held on Tuesday, 18 October, at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah, departing president Sourav Ganguly, treasurer Arun Dhumal and vice-president Rajeev Shukla were all present at the 91st annual general meeting of the board. With his appointment, Binny becomes the first-ever former World Cup-winning to become BCCI’s president.

Jay Shah has been re-inducted as the secretary of the board, while it now remains to be seen whether the BCCI will field a candidate for the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) elections.

Among the other decisions taken during the meeting, Arun Singh Dhumal vacated his position as the treasurer of the board and was appointed as a member of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council. Avishek Dalmiya, the president of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), was also appointed as an IPL Governing Council member.

Ashish Shelar, the former chief of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), took over as the new treasurer, with former secretary of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA), Devajit Saikia was appointed as the joint-secretary. Assam M Khairul Jamal Majumdar was appointed as an Apex Council member.

Besides confirming the new appointments, the BCCI also approved to conduct the inaugural edition of the Women’s IPL in 2023.

source/content: thequint.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION / DEFENCE / MANUFACTURING: PM Modi Unveils HTT-40, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd’s (HAL) Indigenously Designed and Developed ‘Trainer Aircraft’ at DefExpo-2020,

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled HTT-40, the indigenous trainer aircraft designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at the India Pavilion during DefExpo-2020 in Gandhinagar, on Wednesday.

The Basic Trainer Aircraft would be used for basic flight training, aerobatics, instrument flying and close formation flights, whereas its secondary roles would include navigation and night flying.

HTT-40 has cutting-edge technology designed to meet primary training requirements of the Indian defence services. Built around a meticulously tested, turbo-prop engine, it is equipped with the latest avionics, an air-conditioned cabin and ejection seats. HTT-40 boasts of unique features like running changeover of pilots, hot-refuelling and short turnaround time.

HAL receives DcPP certificate

Hal  also received a Development – cum -Production Partner (DcPP)/Production Agency (PA) certificate for ABHYAS – High Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) System from DRDO at a programme held on the sidelines of DefExpo-2022.

The Aircraft Division of HAL is the first DcPP/PA identified organisation under ADE-DRDO’s new scheme for the procurement of a complex system.

HAL had formally handed over the first batch of two units of High-Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) System ABHYAS, an indigenous target aircraft, to Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) recently. HAL CMD CB Ananthakrishnan received the certificate from DRDO Chairman and secretary of the Department of Defence R&D Dr Samir V Kamat

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: Bengaluru’s Female Racer Pragathi Gowda wins the Asia-Pacific final of FIA Rally Star Programme

The first round of the 2020 Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) held in Itanagar saw a young new talent blitzing her way through the competition to secure an overall top 10 finish on her debut. That day, motorsports veterans and enthusiasts felt that the newcomer was a future talent.

Within just two years, they were proved right when Bengaluru’s Pragathi Gowda won the Asia-Pacific final of the FIA Rally Star programme held at the Madras International Circuit early last week, beating 26 other drivers, from seven different national motorsport clubs across the continent.

Gowda says she developed her interest in motorsports driving in the city, along with some big encouragement coming from her father and brother. Having to travel often for races, Gowda explains that coming back home helps her re-energise. “Bengaluru is such a wonderful place to live; I adore it! When I’m away, I genuinely miss the city, and I cannot wait to return home,” she says, adding that her favourite way to unwind is with a cup of coffee.

Having started her motorsports career very recently in 2019, Gowda says that getting an opportunity to represent India in an international event has been a dream come true. “I made my country proud with that win, and I will always cherish that achievement,” she says. After a impressive debut in INRC in 2020, she has emerged as one of the most promising racers in the country. However, she says that her experience in INRC was of little to no use during the Rally Star final.

“It was a completely different challenge. The car was radically different compared to the ones I’m used to. It was tricky to drive, as I had no prior experience with a rear-wheel-driven car. Adjusting to the car was a difficult process and it took me a while to get the best times out of it,” shares Gowda, who is self-taught. Despite her struggles to adjust to the car, she says that her comfort with gravel stages gave her the upper hand. “I’m a gravel girl, I always loved driving on dirt.

And I’m hoping that it’ll give me an advantage during the finals next year,” she quips. Despite her achievements, Gowda says the environment in Bengaluru and the wider region are not very supportive of motorsports aspirants. Drawing on her own experiences, she felt that most people view motorsports as dangerous, despite the recent advances in driver safety. “The negative perception acts as a barrier to entry, especially to women,” she says.

“If we had more top-tier international sporting events such as Formula 1, and World Rally Championship happening in the country, it would probably help change people’s perception, while giving motorsports wider exposure.” One day, she hopes to land a seat in the FIA World Rally Championship. And as she prepares for the all-important Rally Star finals in Peru next year, Gowda says the process hasn’t been straightforward as she lacks access to a suitable practice car.

“All this while, it was just me alone trying to make the country proud. But now, I’ll need the country’s help to give me the best possible chance at the next stage. I definitely cannot do it alone,” concludes Gowda.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: Both ‘Cubbon Park Walkers Association & Cubbon Park Walkers Forum’ Host the ‘ 2nd International Women Achievers Awards 2022’ at Ravindra Kala Kshethra

This week brought to this city its infamous dampness. Cloudy skies, busy roads and cold weather. However, unlike most days during the wet season, the weekend carried a certain warmth to Bengaluru’s air as the Cubbon Park Walkers Association and Cubbon Park Walkers Forum hosted the International Women Achievers Awards 2022 on Sunday at Ravindra Kala Kshethra.

The Young Star Award 2022 took place as well.

The mission behind this event was to empower, inspire and promote the works of women achievers and young talents, who have left a positive impact to the society and excelled in their fields of interest.

Some of the awardees from this year include Dr Pratima Murthy, director of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Alyia Krumbiegel, famed landscaper and social worker, esteemed classical singer Archana Udupa, who also performed at the function, and beloved actor Bhavana Ramanna, among others.

Ashwath Narayan, Minister for Higher Education; IT & BT, Science & Technology, and Mysuru maharaja Yaddu veer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar were the chief guests of the event.

Starting in 2019, this is the second time this award show is being organised in South India. Besides our country, Australia and the United Kingdom have also taken part in the event.

“We started this to recognise women achievers and young talents, who have done substantially good work for our society’s wellbeing. There are so many examples of award shows where money is the key factor. People from the upper echelons of the social hierarchy just give money and take awards. That’s not good at all. Many deserving people don’t get recognised due to not being very affluent.

We wanted to create an award show that is purely for celebrating good work done by folks who gave their all for the rest of us,” says Dr Umesh Kumar, president of Cubbon Park Walkers Association and Cubbon Park Walkers Forum, who adds that the event, including the lunch, was free for all attendees.

The event, which was six months in the making, features multiple attractions, which include a Kuchupudi dance performance and a musical programme by film music director Srisuresh.

“In the maiden year of this event, in 2019, more than 21 countries participated. We had about 800 attendees then, but this year our footfall has increased to more than twofold with almost 2000 people attending the award function. We plan on doing this every year as the Bengaluru crowd has been very supportive of our initiative,” concludes Dr Kumar.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)