Kedige Pratishtana Celebrates Centenary and Honours Achievers in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: The birth centenary of the late Kedige Bhaskar Rao, a multifaceted Kannada poet, musician and village leader, was commemorated with grandeur at the Lions Seva Mandira in Mallikatte on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
The programme commenced at 5 p.m. The programme commenced at 5 p.m. with traditional refreshments, followed by a rendition of Ranga Geethe by Team Arehole. The cultural programme continued with a welcome dance by Nidhi and a vibrant pageantry sequence by Team Arehole.
The formal proceedings began with Pushpa Namana (floral tributes) and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries, accompanied by opening prayers by Vidyashree.
Kedige Pratishtana President Dr. Kedige Aravinda Rao welcomed the gathering and expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the event’s success.
A special book-release ceremony was held during the programme for Kedige Huvu, a celebrated collection of children’s poems authored by the late Kedige Bhaskar Rao. The book was released by eminent social leader and cultural ambassador Sudhakara Pejavar in the presence of other dignitaries.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Laxmi Bhaskara Awards to four distinguished personalities in recognition of their lifetime achievements:
- Col. Nithin Bhide – Rashtra Seva Nishta Award for distinguished military service and dedication to the nation.
- Prof. Dr. M. Prabhakar Joshi – Yakshakala Nishta Award for his significant contributions to Yakshagana, literature and art criticism.
- Prof. Anantha Padmanabha Rao – Chitrakala Nishta Award for academic excellence, artistic contributions and outstanding educational leadership.
- Kuriyaje Tirumaleshwara Bhat – Krishi Seva Nishta Award for exemplary agricultural leadership, social service and community development.
The event also reflected the Kedige family’s commitment to philanthropy and community service.
In a touching gesture, Hariesha presented a wheelchair to 103-year-old mridangam maestro Vidwan Babu Rai as a mark of respect and to provide greater comfort and mobility to the veteran musician. The wheelchair was received through his son, Subhash Rai.
Scholarship cheques were also distributed to deserving students, including Parnika, Megha V. Shet, Kushith, Ranjitha and Harsha D. Ramesh, in association with the Mangalore Lions Charitable and Educational Trust. CA Nagaraj Sharma was present during the distribution.
The formal function featured an address by the chief guest, Dr. Yaji Pavanje Divakar Bhat, Sanskrit Professor at Srinivas University. The stage was also graced by programme coordinator Dattatreya Bala, SCI Mangalore President Harisha, Lions Club Mangalore President Hema Rao, and senior family representative Harsha Kumar Kedige.
Another highlight of the event was a spot-art activity. Members of the audience enthusiastically participated in colouring a canvas designed by eminent senior artist Dinesh Holla.
A special felicitation ceremony was conducted by Lions President Hema Rao to honour notable achievers, followed by the presentation of mementoes. Dattatreya Bala proposed the vote of thanks.
The formal programme was followed by a vibrant cultural extravaganza presented by Team Arehole Nandagokula, which enthralled the audience with its energy and enthusiasm. Team SCI Mangalore, led by Chetana Dattatreya, also presented a group dance performance.
The memorable evening concluded with a community dinner at 8:30 p.m.