'Karnataka, a microcosm of world'

In his acceptance speech, Dr Mahadevappa said that Karnataka is like a microcosm of the world- we are home to many wonderful species of plants and fish and we must nurture it.

The award was presented by U K Basu, Managing Director, MRPL along with  P P Upadhya, Director (Technical), MRPL, K Lakshminarayana, Group General Manger (HR) MRPL and B Sudharsan, GM (Phase III) and Chairman of the MRPL Karnataka Rajyotsava Committee.

Dr Mahadevappa is the former Vice-Chancellor of Dharwad University and an eminent agro-scientist whose interventions in the field of agriculture has been internationally acclaimed.

Speaking on the occasion, U K Basu stressed on the role and responsibilities of MRPL as a corporate that includes being socially responsible besides bringing prosperity and development into Karnataka.

P P Upadhya pointed out that MRPL is like a mini-India and the team in MRPL works in a multicultural environment.

HR Lakshminarayana emphasised on the importance of protecting and promoting the mother tongue and the native culture that appears to be under threat owing to the cultural invasion through the media like TV and internet.

The award ceremony was preceeded by a colourful procession honouring “KarunadaTaayi” (Mother Karnataka) and showcased folk arts of Karnataka like Kamsale, Veeragase, Kangeelu,  Chande (ladies team from Udupi) and wound up with a lilting performance by Sangeetha Katti Kulkarni. She started her musical voyage with a spectacular rendition of “vandemataram” in ‘RaagDesh’.