Mysuru :
Former Director of Indian Council of Historical Research Prof. S. Settar was conferred Shree Vanamali Seva Award and senior Sarvodaya worker of Melukote Surendra Koulagi was conferred Dr. Mathoor Krishnamurthi award for the year 2014, at a function organised under the aegis of Shree Vanamali Charitable Trust at Vivekananda Auditorium, Mahajana College premises, Jayalakshmipuram yesterday evening.
Speaking after receiving the award, Surendra Koulagi mourned the sad demise of Sumana Vishwanath, a close associate of Dr. Mathoorji, who led the Vanamali Charitable Trust, by sheer dedication, creativity and hardwork.
Taking exception to the general perception that physical growth was the only yardstick of development, he regretted the failure to built a better society post-independence.
Wondering why there was no panel in place for spreading strong moral values among the society, when there is a Planning Commission for the country’s economic growth, Koulagi expressed concern over rising atrocities and sexual violence against women.
He stressed the need for imparting Sarvodaya ideologies and Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts in order to build a better society, free from social ills and corrupt practices.
Pointing out that there were many personalities who have rendered selfless service to the society, Koulagi recalled that great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jayaprakash Narayan and Vinobha Bhave never aspired for any recognition or honour.
Dr. Boregowda Chikkamaradi of Vijaya First Grade College, Panadavapura, who introduced Surendra Koulagi said that Koulagi was inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Vinobha Bhave and Jayaprakash Narayan has dedicated himself to the service of the society for over 7 decades.
Vanamali Seva awardee Prof. S. Settar in his address, regretted that the society had failed to recognise those who serve the country with honesty and dedication.
Pointing out that writers and littérateurs were given more recognition than honest and dedicated social workers, Prof. Settar regretted that the society had failed in recognising and honouring researchers, intellects, scholars and achievers who have given their best for building a better society.
Regretting that Kannada research had maintained a low profile over the past several years, Prof. Settar took a dig at governments for not showing sincerity when it came to fighting in Courts over historical prevalence of Kannada. He also said that he was accepting the award as a mark of respect to Sumana Vishwanath, who was enthusiasm personified.
Research Scholar Dr. H.S. Gopal Rao, who introduced Prof. Settar, said that he is a versatile genius with 27 works in the fields of Archaeology, Anthropology, Art, History, Philosophy and Epigraphy to his credit.
He also said that Prof. Settar should be credited for proving that Kannada script was much older than the Tamil script.
Scholar Prof. T.V. Venkatachala Shastri presided. Trust President K.S. Sundar Raj delivered the keynote address. Trust members Meena,R.S. Nagaraj and others were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Tuesday , December 09th, 2014