Kadike Trust awards prestigious "Nekara Ratna" to two veteran weavers

Udupi: Sanjeeva Shettigar (86), President of the Shivalli Prathamika Nekarara Sahakara Sangha, and Somappa Jattanna (89), Director of the Udupi Prathamika Nekarara Sahakara Sangha, have been selected for the prestigious “Nekara Ratna” award by the Kadike Trust for their lifetime achievements.

Both are among the oldest active weavers in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district. Sanjeeva Shettigar has been continuously weaving for about 74 years, a record in itself. Somappa Jattanna has been dedicated to the craft for the past 66 years.

Sanjeeva Shettigar was known for weaving the now-extinct Muttu border until 2019. He continues to weave 60-count sarees with the Butta design, alongside assisting many weavers with weaving and designing tasks. He efficiently manages the activities of the Weavers Society.

Somappa Jattanna specializes in weaving unique cut-border Udupi sarees with small check designs of 60 count.

These veteran weavers are being honoured for their contributions to environmentally friendly Udupi saree weaving. The Udupi saree weaving tradition, which was on the brink of extinction, has been revitalized through the efforts of the Kadike Trust.