Padma Shri awardee and famous Ankola taluk-based Halakki tribal folk artiste Sukri Bommagowda has been admitted to Sagar Hospital, Tilak Nagar, after she complained of breathlessness. She is currently in the ICU. Seventy-five-year-old Ms. Bommagowda was in the city to receive Vana Suma award conferred by the Vanavasi Kalyan Karnataka at the R.V. College of Engineering on Saturday, following which she performed.
On Sunday she complained of breathlessness and was taken to Ranagadurai hospital. But, the doctors there suggested that she be shifted to Sagar Hospital. “She has been admitted with respiratory distress and is in the ICU. She is responding to treatment. It may take two to three days for her to be discharged,” said Dr. Mahendra, Medical Director, Sagar Hospital.
Currently, the Vanavasi Kalyan Karnataka is taking care of the hospital charges. “She is a BPL card holder, but she left the document back home. She does not have money to pay for her treatment. Any assistance would be helpful,” said Uday Mahale, a family friend.
Meanwhile, the State government has assured of meeting all medical expenses of Ms. Bommagowda and has already sent Joint Director Kannada and Culture to the hospital.
Speaking to The Hindu , Minister for Kannada and Culture Umasree said: “Sukri Bommagowda is a repository of folk culture and has received several awards including Padma Sri. It is the responsibility of the government to take care of her well-being. And the government would do everything to this end.”
