The state government will consider the demand of setting up a memorial for the theater legend Enagi Balappa at Enagi, said Umashree, Minister for Kannada and Culture.
She was speaking to reporters here on Saturday after paying respects to the mortal remains of the centenarian. Balappa (103), who was suffering from age related illness, passed away in his ancestral home at Enagi on Friday morning. Balappa will be buried next to his predeceased wife Savitramma in the family farm.
Responding to MLA Anand Mamani's demands that Balappa be conferred with the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award, Ms. Umashree said the state government would recommend to the centre that his name be considered for all the awards in the field of culture that are awarded posthumously.
MLC Mahantesh Kavatagimath; MLAs Mr. Mamani, Vishwanath Patil; director of Department of Kannada and Culture N.R. Vishu Kumar; Deputy Commissioner S. Jiyaulla; Superintendent of Police Ravikante Gowda and others were present.
