Mangaluru: The Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy has announced its annual Gaurava Awards for 2025 and 2026, with six persons named for their contributions to literature/research, folk arts and theatre/cinema.For 2025, Prof B Shivaram Shetty (literature/research), Kuddu Koraga Pangala (folk arts) and Usha Bhandary, Bengaluru, (theatre/cinema) will receive the awards.For 2026, KP Rao (literature/research), Nemu Parava (folk arts) and Sudhakar Bannanje, Bengaluru (theatre/cinema) will receive the awards. The award carries Rs 50,000 in cash and a plaque. The awards will be presented at Ravindra Kalakshetra, Bengaluru, on Oct 4, Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy president Taranath Gatti Kapikad stated in a release.Prof Shivaram Shetty is a former Mangalore University teacher and Tulu scholar; Kuddu Koraga Pangala is a traditional drum artiste (dolu vadana) from Udupi district and Usha Bhandary is an actor, director and acting trainer. KP Rao is known for his work on computer applications for Tulu; Nemu Parava is a daiva nritya performer; and Sudhakar Bannanje is a playwright, filmmaker and theatre personality.
