By Alok S, Team Mangaloeran

Mangalore: The Academy of Tenku Thittu Yakshagana (ATTY), New Delhi has identified the renowned Veteran Thenkuthittu artist Sampaje Sheenappa Rai for the Yaksha Kalanidhi Award 2012.

The Academy of Tenku Thittu Yakshagana director Vidya Kolyooru speaking to the reporters at the press club, Urva here on June 29, said that Sampaje Sheenappa Rai, has been earnestly working in the field of Yakshagana from the past 56 years. He has marked his existence as a unique Yakshagana artist with Punduvesha and Rajavesha. The artist will be honoured with the award on July 8 at 2.00 pm at Town Hall, Mangalore. Special Representative of the Karnataka Goverment at New Delhi V Dhanajay Kumar will confer the award and also will be the chief guest. Folk expert and Mangalore University Registrar Dr Chinnappa Gowda will preside over. Artist Soorikumeri Govinda Bhat will deliver the felicitation speech.

The veteran artist will be felicitated with a prize money of Rs 15,000. Later a Yakshagana performance will be given by Yaksha Manjusha group from Kulai. The ATTY has so far honoured eight veteran artists so far since 2006.

ATTY Saravu Krishna Bhat  also spoke on the occasion.