Mangaluru: Art should humanise society and counter intolerance, said Nagathihalli Chandrashekar, film director, writer, and lyricist.He was speaking during the Sandesha Awards 2026, organised by Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education, on Wednesday. The event honoured personalities recognised for creativity, social commitment, and cultural leadership.Chandrashekar, who was the chief guest at the event, spoke on the relationship between art, literature, and society, describing the foundation as a bridge connecting religions, languages, and cultures. He said, “Art should humanise society and counter intolerance.” He praised the coastal region’s cultural and literary strength and highlighted the credibility of the Sandesha Awards for transparent, merit-based selection. He also urged youth to stay connected to reading and literature amid technological change and called for a global commitment to peace.Presiding over the ceremony, Rev Henry D’Souza, bishop of the Diocese of Ballari and president of the foundation, stressed the need for value-based contributions in art, literature, education, and social service. He urged writers and artists to act as the conscience of society and asked awardees to treat recognition as the start of greater responsibility, emphasising peace, unity, and India’s unity in diversity.Sandesha Awards 2026 recipients included Na Mogasale (Sahitya Award – Kannada), Patrick K Moras (Sahitya Award – Konkani), Indira Hegde (Sahitya Award – Tulu), SG Tungarenuka (Media Award), Simon Pais (Konkani Music Award), Srinivas G Kappanna (Art Award), Dr Dattatreya Aralikatte (Education Award), and the Navajeevana Rehabilitation Centre for the Differently Abled, Ballari (special honour).
