The Pampa Prashasti for literature for 2010 was conferred on Kannada litterateur G.H. Nayak at his residence in the city on Sunday.
Minister of State for Kannada and Culture Umashree conferred the award at a simple ceremony at his residence in Saraswathipuram in recognition of his contribution in his field.
The award — instituted by the Department of Kannada and Culture — carries a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakh, an idol of Natya Saraswathi and a citation. His wife Meera Nayak, Rangayana director Janardhan were among those present.
A word from thewinner
Mr. Nayak said though the award is presented by the government, it is an expression of the desire and affection of the people. He said authorities conferring the awards should ensure that it bestows honour on both the recipient and the person in whose memory it is instituted. Mr. Nayak said he respected Ms. Umashree as an artiste and he was happy to receive the award from her.
Ms. Umashree refused to comment on why it took so long for the award to be presented.
The Pampa award for 2010 was announced in 2012, but it was not conferred on Mr. Nayak until now as the former Chief Ministers D.V. Sadananda Gowda and Jagadish Shettar could not spare the time from their busy schedules. Functions were arranged twice last year, but they were postponed. Mr. Nayak refused to accept the award during Dasara on the principle of secularism, and hence the function was held at his residence on Sunday.
