Reduce quantum of cash prize, says Patil Puttappa

Reduce quantum of cash prize, says Patil Puttappa
The Hindu

HUBLI: Veteran journalist Patil Puttappa on Wednesday said the purse given with various awards should be reduced to put an end to lobbying.

Conferring the Attimabbe Award instituted by Attimabbe Pratishtana Trust, Bangalore, on six persons here, Dr. Puttappa said lobbying for awards is mainly on account of the cash prize.

He regretted that though there are many women writers, they are not being recognised. This is the reason why they have been deprived of the Jnanpith Award, he said.

He called upon the organisations engaged in literary activities to recognise such writers and encourage them by honouring them.

Dr. Patil said no other State has such varied folk literature as Karnataka. "In no State can you find such a treasure of folk literature."

Earlier, he conferred the Attimabbe Award on Iramma Shirattimath, freedom fighter; Kamalabai Kataraki, social worker; Basalingaiah Hiremath, folk artiste; Parvatamma Mahalingshettar for literature; and Nataraj Enagi Balappa, theatre artiste.

Aishwarya Mahalingshettar and Lata Nataraj Engai received the award on behalf of Ms. Mahalingshettar while B.S. Patil, another award winner, could not attend the function.

Mr. Hiremath regaled the audience with folk songs.

Manohari Parthasarathi, founder-director of the trust, was present.

Sarojini Chavalar, principal, Mahila Vidyapeetha Arts and Commerce Women's College, Hubli, presided over the function.