Nine persons from Karnataka figure on the list of those chosen for the prestigious Padma awards for 2018.

Cue sports stalwart Pankaj Advani has been chosen for the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in the country.

Eight persons have been chosen for Padma Shri. Rudrapatnam Brothers — R.N. Thyagarajan and R.N. Tharanathan, Sufi singer from Bagalkot Ibrahim Sutar and R. Satynarayana have all been selected for the honour in the music category. The others are writer and film lyricist Doddarange Gowda (lyrics), Sitavva Jodatti from Belagavi (social work), midwife from Tumakuru Sulagitti Narasamma (social work), and Siddheshwara Swamiji (spiritualism).

Mr. Advani, 32, an 18-time world champion and 20-time Senior National champion (in both billiards and snooker), said, “I’m honoured and humbled to be named for the Padma Bhushan award. This is motivation for me to continue my pursuit for excellence at the world level in billiards and snooker.”

Ms. Narasamma, 97, who has been hospitalised because of age-related issues, spoke to The Hindufrom her hospital bed and expressed happiness over winning the award. Ms. Narasamma, who has had no formal education, has assisted in conducting 15,000 deliveries.

Mr. Sutar has made a mark for himself by singing vachanas and padas of Sufi saint Shishunala Sharif. He said the award was a welcome recognition of the diverse traditions of the land.

Vocalists Mr. Thyagarajan and Mr. Tharanathan said, “We feel honoured to be receiving this award. We have been on stage for 62 years strictly following the traditional format in Carnatic music, in spite of popular contemporary styles creeping in.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Staff Reporter / Bengaluru – January 26th, 2018