Theatre personality B.V. Rajaram was conferred with Ballari Raghava Award in recognition of his contribution to the field of theatre. The State-level award, which carries a purse of ₹15,000, a plaque, and a shawl, was conferred by the Raghava Memorial Association on the occasion that marked the 137th birth anniversary of Ballari Raghava, a legend in the field of theatre, on Wednesday. The former Deputy Director, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry in Ballari, P.L. Gadilinganagouda and Narendra Gorappanavar from Holalu in Hadagali taluk were conferred with the district level award instituted in the name of Ballari Raghava.
Ramakrishna Marathe, a scholar from Belagavi, paid rich tribute to Ballari Raghava and his contribution towards theatre in Kannada, Telugu, and English.
Mr. Rajaram, in his reply to the felicitation, said he felt honoured for being the recipient of the award instituted in the name of Ballari Raghava. While, Principal and District Session Judge H.R. Srinivas inaugurated the function, K. Koteshwar Rao, president of the association presided. K. Channappa, P. Dhanunjaya, and N. Basavaraj were among the other office-bearers present.
Earlier, the awardees were taken out in a colourful procession and they offered floral tribute to the statue of Ballari Raghava. Later, a drama directed by Yeshwant Sardeshpande was staged by Guru Institute, Hubballi.
