Mangaluru/Udupi: Erstwhile undivided Dakshina Kannada (DK) has received fair representation among 65 Rajyotsava awards that the state government announced on Wednesday. Achievers in the field of literature (Valerian D’Souza aka Valli Vagga), music (K Lingappa Sherigar Kateel); judiciary (M K Vijaya Kumar); horanadu Kannadiga (Kusumodhar Deranna Shetty Kelthadka); institutions (Dharmothana Trust, Dharmasthala) have made it to this list.
Apart from these achievers, the department of Kannada and culture that announced the list has selected Dubai-based septuagenarian NRI educationist-businessman Mohammed Meeran Saheb from Shiroor for his contribution to social work and Udupi Srinivas for his contribution to science and technology. The list has some unknown gems from amidst the large coastal diaspora, DK district minister Kota Shrinivas Poojari told TOI.
Meeran Saheb told TOI that while he is not quite sure why his name is on the list, given that there are more deserving candidates than him, he said that he is elated that the government considered him worthy of the same. Charity has been a strong point in my life from my childhood days, said the businessman who shuttles between Dubai, Bengaluru and Shiroor. “I have worked hard to help people in need, irrespective of their caste, creed or religion,” he said.
The Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Dharmothana Trust started by D Veerendra Heggde, Dharmadhikari, Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala, has carved a niche for itself in renovating ancient temples. The trust thus far has renovated 253 monuments in 25 districts in Karnataka, and the state government has recognised the trust as a partner institute, keeping in mind its track record in preserving monuments of historic importance, Heggade said.
Having soldiered for Konkani and Kannada literature for the past 56 years, writer Valerian D’Souza ,73, who started his literary journey at 17, has penned over eight books and more than 150 short stories. Born in Vagga in Bantwal taluk, Valerian, better known by his pen name Valli Vagga, has settled in Mysuru. “This award is an unexpected recognition and one that has come without any recommendation. I am thrilled with the same,” he said.