Mangaluru: Veteran Yakshagana artiste Patala Venkataramana Bhat expressed his heartfelt gratitude after receiving the prestigious “Sheni Award” for 2024. He described the award as a divine blessing, noting that he had never anticipated such recognition. Bhat said that his association with the late Sheni Gopalakrishna Bhat and his dedication to serving the art form might have led to this honor.
The award was presented during a ceremony organized by the Sheni Gopalakrishna Bhat Charitable Trust in collaboration with Urvastore Shri Mahaganapati Temple.
During his speech, Bhat fondly recalled his time with Sheni and praised his unparalleled contribution to the field of Yakshagana, particularly in enhancing the delivery of dialogues in the art form. He hoped that more artists like Sheni would emerge in the future.
Former Kannada Sahitya Parishat President, Harikrishna Punaroor, who inaugurated the event, highlighted Sheni’s role in elevating the Kannada language through Yakshagana.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Urvastore Shri Mahaganapati Temple Administration Committee President Surendra Rao, Kalkura Foundation President Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, and senior thinker Nityananda Karanth. The program concluded with senior Yakshagana artiste G.K. Bhat Seraaje reminiscing about Sheni.
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