NANDALIKE (UDUPI DISTRICT): Former banker Nandalike Balachandra Rao, who made meaningful efforts to immortalise Kannad poet laureate Kavi Muddana’s works, was conferred the Kavi Muddanna Award here on Sunday.
He is the 21st recipient of the coveted award. Conferring the award, the residents hailed Rao’s struggle.
“It is important for the civil society to recognise the works of great writers and poets, but it is even more important to recognise the selfless services of those who strive to keep their legacy alive for posterity,” said Kamaladevi Prasad Asranna of Kateel Durgaparmeshwari temple who felicitated Rao.
“The work carried out by Rao is flawless. Owing to his efforts, Nandalike town is recognised in the international Kannada literary circles,” she said.
Kavi Muddana’s great grandson Praveen Srinivas Murthy released a CD of Yakshagana ballet based on the celebrated poet’s work - Kumara Vijaya and Rathnavati Kalyana.
Representative of the local Royal family Suhas Hegde and local philanthropist Inna Udaykumar Shetty were present.
Award recipient Balachandra Rao said: “I have tried to do justice to the works of Muddana, but there is a lot to be done to take Muddana to the level of a national laureate.”