Mangaluru: The Karnataka Rajyotsava Awards this year have brought pride to the coastal region, honouring several individuals for their remarkable contributions across diverse fields.Among them is 80-year-old Sindhu Gujaran from the Pambada community in Mulky, Dakshina Kannada, whose six decades of service in Daivaradhane and Paddana singing have earned her the state’s recognition. She said the award brings her great joy and will inspire the younger generation to preserve Tulunadu traditions.N Sitaram Shetty, a medical graduate who ventured into infrastructure development, has also been honoured for his outstanding role in nation-building. As executive chairman of Shankaranarayana Constructions, he has contributed to major projects in power generation, irrigation, and drinking water. A committed philanthropist, Shetty said, “It’s gratifying to be recognised for one’s work. This motivates me to further my efforts in social service, especially in promoting girls’ education. I’ve already launched a project to build toilets in govt schools and plan to set up a skill development centre exclusively for school dropouts.”In the non-resident Kannadiga category, Zakariya Jokatte, founder of Al Muzain Company in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, and president of M Friends Charitable Trust, Mangaluru, was selected for the award. “I never sought awards for what I do. Having risen from poverty, I understand the struggles of the underprivileged and always strive to respond to their needs,” he said.Other coastal awardees include Corrine Antoinette Rasquinha (social work), Umesha Pambada (achievement), BM Haneef (media), Kota Suresh Bangera and Airabail Anand Shetty (Yakshagana), and Mime Ramesh (theatre).
