Date:01/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/01/stories/2008100156391100.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Basava Puraskar for Siddaganga swami

Staff Reporter

DESERVING WINNERS: (Clockwise from top) Subhadramma Mansur, Puttaraj Gawai, Shankargowda Bettadur, Kesava Guru, Melloja Bhimarao Mayacharya and Belagallu Veeranna.

BANGALORE: Centenarian Shivakumara Swamiji of the Siddaganga Math, Tumkur, has been conferred the Basava Puraskar National Award for the year 2007, according to a Government release here on Tuesday. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh.

The State Government has also announced awards in literature, music, art, sculpture, theatre, folk art and light music. The winners are: Puttaraj Gawai, Gadag, (T. Chowdiah National Award for Harmonium, Rs. 1.5 lakh); Shankargowda Bettadur, Raichur, (Varnashilpi Venkatappa Award for Arts); Melloja Bhimarav Mayacharya, Bagalkot, (Jakanachari Award for Sculpture); Subadramma Mansur, Bellary, (Dr. Gubbi Veeranna Award for Theatre), Belagallu Veeranna, Bellary, (Folk Award, Janapada Kalaprakara); Kesava Guru, Hubli, (Santha Shishunala Sharief Award for light music). These awards carry a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh each.