Dr. Shashikumar Thimmaiah, Nagendra Murur honored with Nammane award, Kishora award to Srivatsa

PTI, Oct 6, 2023, 8:48 AM IST

Dr. Shashikumar Thimmaiah, a widely recognized figure known as “Akki Doctor”  has been bestowed with the prestigious Nammane Award by the Vishwashanthi Seva Trust Karnataka. Additionally, two other distinguished individuals, Nagendra Bhatta Mururu, and Srivatsa Guddedimba has been selected for the Nammane Kishora Award.

For the past twelve years, the Nammane Award recipients have been chosen by a selection committee without external recommendations or requests. Gayatri Raghavendra, the secretary of the trust, announced that two recipients are recognized for their achievements in diverse fields, while one is honored with the Kishora Award.

Hailing from Bangarapet, Kolar, Dr. Shashikumar Thimmaiah left a government position to make a distinctive contribution to the world’s rice industry by blending engineering with digital technology in the processing sector over the past decade. What initially began with a team of just four individuals in 2016 has now grown to employ over eight hundred people, with the company operating in more than 40 countries. Sasikumar’s unique work in the rice industry during a time when rice production is diminishing has earned him numerous state and national awards, including the prestigious Vijayaratna and Business Excellence awards.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Shashikumar is actively engaged in social work through the Seva Trust. His notable contributions extend to religious and educational endeavors, as well as the care of local cows within his sphere of influence.

Nagendra Bhatta, a skilled Yakshagana artist known for his versatility, hails from Murur in Kumta Taluk. With 27 years of dedicated service in the field of Yakshagana, Nagendra Bhatta has played various pivotal roles. His outstanding talent has earned him the reputation of being one of the most accomplished artists in the Yakshagana field. Nagendra Bhatta has graced more than a thousand performances in the state and beyond, showcasing his artistry with renowned troupes such as Gundabala, Poornachandra Yakshagana Mela, Yaji Yakshamitra Mandali, and Veeranjaneya Yakshamitra Mandali. His accolades include recognition from events like Puttur Yakshapaksha Vaibhava and Kondakuli Rama Hegade.

Srivatsa Guddedimba, a young talent, has gained recognition for his proficiency as a Chande ( cylindrical percussion ) player accompanying Yakshagana performances. Studying in the eighth grade, Srivatsa is the son of veteran Maddale (a double-sided drum) player Manjunatha Guddedimba and Archana. From a young age, Srivatsa displayed a keen interest in Chende playing.

Throughout his childhood, Srivatsa received primary education from illustrious figures such as Suryanarayana Rao and Manjunatha Guddedimba. He further honed his skills under the guidance of respected artists like Lakshminarayan Sampa, Shyamasundara Bhatta, and Shankar Bhagwat. Srivatsa has performed Chende Vadane (Chande playing) in various parts of the state and boasts proficiency in playing Maddale and Tabla. His accomplishments include receiving accolades such as the Havyaka Pallava award.

The trust announced that these prestigious awards will be presented during the Nammane festival, which takes place in Bettakoppa taluk on the first Saturday of December.