Sandesha Awards 2024: 8 achievers to receive honours on Feb 11

Team Udayavani, Jan 22, 2024, 9:00 AM IST

Mangaluru: The winners of Sandesha Awards 2024 have been announced. As many as 8 achievers from diverse fields will receive the award at a ceremony scheduled for February 11 at 5:30 pm at the Sandesha Institute Grounds in Mangaluru.

Presided over by Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, and with U T Khader, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, as the chief guest, the event promises to be a celebration of exceptional contributions. Notable guests include Dr. Henry D’Souza, Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Dr. Sudeep Paul, Roy Castelino, and Fr. Ivan Pinto.

The distinguished winners of the Sandesha Awards 2024 are:

Sandesha Literature Award (Kannada): B. A. Viveka Rai

Prof. Dr. B. A. Viveka Rai, a distinguished Kannada researcher and critic, receives recognition for his five-decade-long commitment to Kannada and Tulu literature.

Sandesha Literature Award (Konkani): Valerian Quadras

Valerian Alwyn Quadros, a Mumbai-based literary figure, is honored for his extensive contributions to Konkani literature with over 350 poems, 250 short stories, and six novels.

Sandesha Literature Award (Tulu): Muddu Moodubelle

Muddu Moodubelle, a prominent figure in Tulu literature, is acclaimed for his contributions as a poet, storyteller, singer, and folklore scholar.

Sandesha Media Award: Abdussalam Puthige

Abdussalam Puthige, editor-in-chief of Varthabharathi, is recognized for his significant role in shaping Kannada journalism and making religious texts accessible.

Sandesha Konkani Music Award: Alwyn D’Cunha

Julian Alwyn D’Cunha, a maestro in Konkani music, is celebrated for his musical achievements and contributions as a mentor shaping the future of music.

Sandesha Art Award: Chandranath Acharya

Chandranath Acharya, a multifaceted artist, is honored for his impactful work in painting, printmaking, book cover design, and art direction for award-winning films.

Sandesha Education Award: Hucchamma Chowdri

Hucchamma Chowdri, known as the ‘mother of mothers,’ is recognized for her extraordinary act of altruism, devoting her life to the welfare of Kunikeri village.

Sandesha Special Award: Jana Shikshana Trust

Jana Shikshana Trust, founded by N Sheena Shetty and Krishna Moolya, receives special recognition for 30 years of dedicated service, focusing on grassroots empowerment and catalyzing change.

About Sandesha Awards

The prestigious Sandesha Awards, a beacon of recognition for exceptional contributions, are annually announced by the Sandesha Foundation. Established in 1989 and officially registered as a charitable institution in 1991, the foundation plays a pivotal role in celebrating achievements across Literature, Journalism, Arts, Education, Music, Media, and Social Service.

The awards ceremony, eagerly anticipated each year, serves as a distinguished platform to honor luminaries who have left an indelible mark on their respective fields. Under the guidance of the Sandesha Foundation, the awards emphasize not only individual accomplishments but also the values embodied in the recipients’ contributions, fostering a culture of excellence and positive societal impact.

Beyond the annual awards ceremony, the foundation plays a crucial role in nurturing diverse talents by offering comprehensive training programs in various disciplines, including music, dance, art, painting, journalism, media education, and public speaking.

In recent years, the Sandesha Foundation has expanded its educational horizons by entering into collaborations, such as the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Karnataka Gangubhai Hanagal Music and Performing Arts University. This collaboration aims to broaden educational offerings by introducing certificate and diploma programs, further enriching the foundation’s role in fostering cultural understanding.