The 32nd Gomateshwara Vidyapeeta awards were presented by industrialist Shambukumar Kaslivala to seven members at the Chavundaraya Auditorium at Shravanabelagola, on Sunday.

Dharwad’s Dr T R Jodatti, faculty member, Department of Kannada, University of Mysore, Dr Preethi Shubhachandra and faculty member, Kamalavathi Mirji Arts and Commerce College, Chikkodi Taluk, Belgaum, B P Nyamagowda were feted for their contribution in literature.

‘Prajavani’ Associate Editor Padmaraja Dandavati was presented the award for his contribution to the print media, while senior journalist Jayasheela Rao was given the award for his work in the electronic media.

While folk artiste H C Hanumanth received the award for art, Mandya’s H P Mohan was presented the ‘A R Nagaraj Award’.

Addressing the audience, Seer Charukeerthi Bhattaraka said that only a man has the skill to combine knowledge and power and use it for development.

This has led to many inventions and also helped people benefit from the advances made in science. He said that even though man is making rapid progress in science, he can never forget nature and religion. Selfless individuals to save culture and traditions is the need of hour, he added.

The Vidyapeeta award carries ` 25,000 cash prize and a citation. Award committee President A Shantharaja Shastry and Secretary S N Ashoka Kumar were present.