Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Bantwal: Renowned Yakshagana Prasanga writer, Bhagavata Bolur Madhukumar passes away

Renowned Yakshagana Prasanga writer and Bhagavata, Bolur Madhukumar (86), passed away on the evening of Saturday, August 8, at Narikombu in Bantwal following a brief illness.

Son of the late senior Yakshagana organizer Bolur Dogra Poojary, Madhukumar gained immense popularity as a prasanga (script) writer in both Tulu and Kannada languages. His highly acclaimed work, ‘Sudarshana Vijaya’, has remained one of the most popular prasangas in both professional and amateur Yakshagana circles for the past five decades.

His other widely recognized prasangas include ‘Kadugali Kumara Rama’, ‘Ekadashi Devi Mahatme’, ‘Baale Nagamma’, ‘Sri Satyanarayana Vrata Mahatme’, and the Tulu prasanga ‘Koti Chennaya’.

Apart from his immense contributions as a writer, Madhukumar actively toured with various melas as a Bhagavata (lead singer and director) and also owned and managed a Yakshagana costume and makeup setup.

He is survived by his wife, a son, and two daughters. The late renowned writer Vishukumar and the late organizer Damodar Nisarga were his brothers.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Mangaluru: Class 4 student Sharanya Sharath honoured for yoga world record achievement

Sharanya Sharath, a class 4 student who has achieved remarkable success in the field of yoga at a very young age, was felicitated at St Mary’s Higher Primary School in recognition of her outstanding accomplishments.

Sharanya has brought laurels to her school and the district through her achievements at both the national and international levels in yoga. In 2025, she entered the India Book of Records by setting a national record for holding a yoga posture for the longest duration.

As part of the International Yoga Day celebrations held on June 21, she participated in the International Yoga Book of Records world record event. She was recognised by both the Worldwide Book of Records and the International Yoga Book of Records for her performance.

On the same occasion, she also participated in an online multi-platform world record event organised by GISA (India). Along with 55 yoga practitioners, Sharanya performed the Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) and was recognised as part of a world record for holding the posture for the longest duration at the youngest age.

To honour her achievements, the school organised a felicitation programme during which Sharanya Sharath was presented with a shawl and a certificate of appreciation.

The programme was attended by Sr Celine Vera AC, secretary of St Mary’s Educational Institutions, Fr Peter Balaswamy, headmistress Shanthi Crasta AC, Sharanya’s mother Sonia Sharath, Afzal Hasan, Elizabeth, and others.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Bengaluru Class 4 student Parinita B, enters India Book of Records as young author

Parinita sat with the editor as well as the illustrator to explain the kind of pictures required.

Parinita B, a 10-year-old from Bengaluru, has already earned a place in the India Book of Records as a young author. She is currently studying in Class 4 at NET Public School, Basavanagudi, and has authored a book titled ‘Tales by Pari’ published by Subbu Publications.

Her father, K Balaji, is a deputy general manager in BESCOM, and her mother, Dr Anusha R Gupta, is a dentist. Speaking to the TNIE, Balaji said, “We used to recite songs and children’s stories to Parinita, and that’s when she decided to write a story of her own. When she was eight years old, she started learning the meaning of different words and told us that she would write a book. I had told her to write at least 30 pages if it had to be published as a book of stories.”

He added, “She put all her efforts after school and started writing a book when she was 9 years old. However, when she completed writing it, we faced challenges in finding a publisher. Finally, Subbu Publications in Hubballi decided to publish the book. Parinita sat with the editor as well as the illustrator to explain the kind of pictures required.

We did not select pictures from the internet. They are all original and created by Parinita. A lot of children have bought the book and appreciated her work.”

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Mangaluru-origin architect Dr Oscar Concessao inducted into University of Oklahoma Hall of Fame

Celebrated Indian architect and University of Oklahoma alumnus Dr Oscar G Concessao was formally inducted into the Christopher C Gibbs College of Architecture Hall of Fame on October 2. The recognition honors his outstanding contributions to global architecture, sustainable design, and architectural education spanning more than three decades.

Dr Concessao, co-founder of Oscar & Ponni Architects in Chennai, is widely acclaimed for blending sustainability, technology, and cultural sensitivity in his designs. Along with his wife and partner, Dr Ponni M Concessao, a Cornell University alumna, he has completed over 1,000 projects across India and abroad, earning an international reputation for excellence and innovation.

A proud University of Oklahoma alumnus, Dr Concessao completed his master’s in Architecture (Urban Design) in 1987. That same year, at just 23, he won the William Van Allen International Fellowship Design Competition, marking an early milestone in his distinguished career. He later pursued advanced professional studies at Harvard University and holds honorary doctorates from the University of Malaysia and the University of Milan.

Born in Valencia, Mangaluru, and an alumnus of St Aloysius Institutions, Dr Concessao earned his Bachelor’s in Architecture from NIT Tiruchirappalli (formerly Regional Engineering College). In 2014, he received NIT’s Distinguished Alumni Award from the late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India. Earlier this year, he was also honored with the Eminent Aloysian Award by St Aloysius Institutions for his contribution to architecture and society.

Among his landmark achievements is the Telangana State Secretariat in Hyderabad, a 1.2-million-square-foot complex recognized as Asia’s largest green secretariat and one of India’s most technologically advanced government centers. The project reflects his design philosophy of combining monumentality, functionality, and sustainability, while integrating traditional Indian motifs with cutting-edge systems.

Dr Concessao’s influence extends beyond practice into academia and thought leadership. He has presented over 175 technical papers at international conferences on urban resilience, smart city planning, and climate-responsive architecture. A passionate mentor, he continues to inspire young professionals as a visiting faculty member and keynote speaker at leading institutions worldwide.

Over the years, Dr Concessao has received more than 224 national and international awards, including honors from the Indian Institute of Architects, the Green Apple International Beautiful Buildings Award (London, 2024), and multiple government recognitions for excellence in design and innovation.

His induction into the Christopher C Gibbs College of Architecture Hall of Fame places him among the most distinguished alumni of the University of Oklahoma celebrating a career that bridges innovation, sustainability, and inspiration.

Even as his work achieves global recognition, Dr Concessao remains deeply connected to his Indian roots shaping spaces that are sustainable, human-centered, and culturally resonant. His journey continues to inspire a new generation of architects to design for both people and the planet.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Yakshagana Kalaranga of Udupi honours 50 artists above 70 years with Suvarna Puraskar

There should be no aberrations in Yakshagana performances, says Talluru Shivarama Shetty, chairman, Karnataka Yakshagana Academy in Udupi.

Chairman of Karnataka Yakshagana Academy Talluru Shivarama Shetty on Saturday asked Yakshagana artists to ensure that there were no aberrations in the performances. The artists should uphold the tradition of the art form, he said.

He was addressing the artists at a programme organised by Yakshagana Kalaranga of Udupi to felicitate 50 Yakshagana artists who were aged above 70, on the occasion of the Kalaranga celebrating its golden jubilee.

Mr. Shetty said that the academy has been receiving letters from Yakshagana fans that the academy should intervene as the trend of many artists deviating from the tradition, especially by going out of context in the delivery of dialogues, is increasing. Yakshagana’s tradition should be maintained within its framework.

The chairman said that artists have the responsibility of saving Yakshagana in its true form and pass on the tradition to future generations.

The Kalaranga honoured each of the 50 senior artists with its Yakshagana Kalaranga Suvarna Puraskar with a purse of ₹50,000 to each.

At a session on the topic ‘Whether Yakshagana should continue as a full-time profession or a part-time job’ organised on the occasion, senior Yakshagana artist Kondadakuli Ramachandra Hegde said that none can stop amateur and part-time performers from performing in Yakshagana. Many debates held on the topic at various platforms earlier did not arrive at any conclusion, Mr. Hegde said.

He said that a day might come when there may not be any full-time performers.

Another senior artiste Permude Jayaprakash Shetty said that part-time performers can not do justice to the art form in its true sense. If Yakshagana is to sustain in its true form an artist will have to be a full-time performer, he said.

Artists of Madhava Matru Gramam Koodiyattam Gurukulam, Thrissur, Kerala presented a Koodiyattam show. Kasturba Medical College, Manipal conducted a free health check up for Yakshagana artists.

Seer of Puthige Mutt Sugunendra Tirtha, seer of Pejawar Mutt Vishwaprasanna Tirtha, Yashpal Suvarna, Kiran Kumar Kodgi, MLAs, secretary of the Kalaranga Murali Kadekar and president of the Kalaranga M. Gangadhar Rao participated.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Exhibition of works by academy award winning artists inaugurated

Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and Art Kanara Trust inaugurated a group exhibition titled “Contemplations and Dialogue” at Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture on Sunday, bringing artistic brilliance into focus.

The exhibition showcases works by three acclaimed Mangaluru-based artists—Veena Srinivas, Syed Asif Ali, and Rajendra Kedige—who were recently honoured by the Karnataka Lalithakala Academy. The show is open to the public daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. till May 14.

Veteran artist and film-maker Madhusudhan Kumar, who presided the preview, praised the artists for channelling deep personal and social insights through their art. “Artists’ works speaks powerfully. It’s inspiring to see Mangalorean artists being recognised for such meaningful expression,” he noted.

INTACH convener and president of Art Kanara Trust Subhas Chandra Basu expressed pride in the achievements of the featured artists. “This is a proud moment for Mangaluru’s art scene. Having three State-recognised artists from our city is a significant milestone. We at INTACH and Art Kanara Trust are privileged to collaborate with these talented individuals,” he said.

The three artists were felicitated at the event. Ms. Srinivas displayed contemporary interpretations of Kaavi Kale, a traditional coastal art form. She said, “From an early age, I felt a strong calling to preserve this ancient art form. It holds deep meaning for our community.”

Mr. Ali exhibited a series of watercolour landscapes rich in mood and detail, reflecting his refined technique. A mentor to many emerging artists, his works stand out for their depth and sensitivity. Mr. Kedige presented abstract works rooted in geometry, offering a poetic interplay of form and feeling, which are hallmarks of his distinctive style.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

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)