Despite protests over criticism of Modi, Prakash Raj to get Karanth award
Udupi: Not heeding to social media campaigns against conferring Dr Shivarama Karanatha award on actor Prakash Raj, the Kotatattu Gram Panchayat has decided to go ahead with the programme as per schedule on October 10. Jnanapeetha Awardee late Kota Shivarama Karanth's house is in Kota, which comes under the Kotatattu Gram Panchayat in Udupi district.
For the last 12 years, the panchayat has been conferring the award, Dr Shivarama Karanatha Huttura Prashasti, to personalities from literature, journalism, education and Yakshagana. The award is conferred on Shivarama Karanth’s birth anniversary and this year too, it is scheduled for October 10.
Prakash Rai was nominated for the award about two months ago. Though there was no opposition when his name was finalised, over the last few days, there has been a campaign in social media asking the Panchayat not to present the award to Prakash after he questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh’ death and called him an actor.
Some organisations have also said that they will wave black flags at the award function.
Though most of those who oppose Rai are identified with right wing organisations, interestingly none of the opposition and campaigns have moved the Kotatattu Panchayat, which is ruled by BJP supported members.
“Stopping the programme or not conferring the award will be a great disrespect to Shivarama Karanth. He was known for his punctuality. He was a universal man and practised secularism. There was no opposition when we finalised Prakash Rai’s name,” panchayat president Pramod Hande told Deccan Chronicle.
“Rai has been named for achievements in his field. Nobody should drag politics into this. We will not heed to any campaigns. Our programme will be held as per schedule. We are organising this event for the last 12 years and this is the thirteenth year,” he said.
Other winners
Personalities like Veerappa Moily, Ravi Belagere, Jayanth Kaikini, Salumarada Timmakka, Ramachandra Chittani and others have been conferred with this award in the past.
