The Karnataka Janapada Academy on Thursday announced its annual awards for 2012. Noted folklorists Mirasabihalli Shivanna and Sugaiah Hiremath have been chosen for the prestigious Dr. Ji.Sham.Pa. and Dr. B.S. Gaddagi Math awards respectively.
Academy chairperson Go.Ru. Channabasappa told a press conference here on Thursday that 30 other folklore artistes and experts had been named for the annual award.
The winners of the annual award are Tamburi Umanayaka, R.H. Jeevana Gowda, Hanumaiah, Goravale Rudrappa, Yellavva Hanumantha Naik, C. Rudraradhya, Seemanthavva, Gangadhara Gowda, Kargi Sedthi, Sriramappa, Kempamma, Venkataramaiah, Ramappa Sabu Bhajantri, Choodamani Ramachandra, S.M. Patil, Y.S. Koravara, Meliyappa, Shamarao, Puttamma, Pundalika Rao, Doddanarasimhaiah, Kenchappa, Ningashetty, Sharanamma, Y.D. Vibhuti, Nagi Shivu Mukhri, Eeranna, Durga Panara, Rajamuri and Phaniyachar.
30 districts
Noting that all the 30 award winners represent 30 districts, Mr. Channabasappa said that awards would be presented to them at a function on March 3.
“The academy is planning to enhance the award amount to the artistes and has sought more funds from the Government,” he said.
The academy had completed 31 years and was working for protection and conservation of folklore. Thirty-six volumes of Samagra Janapada Kosha (comprehensive folklore encyclopaedia) had been published so far and printing work on rest of the 20 volumes was fast progressing. Similarly, work on the first volume of Janapada Nighantu (folklore dictionary) was in its final stage.
Rural artisans
The academy was trying to encourage artisans in the rural areas under Janapada Kshemanidhi Project. “We are seeking additional funds for the project from the Government,” he said.