Udupi’s Centenarian Koraga (102) & Octogenarian Rao (99) recipients of Rajyotsava Awards
Udupi: A centenarian and an octogenarian are among the five chosen for the State-level Rajyotsava awards from Udupi district. Interestingly, both of them are noted artistes also. The two artistes chosen from the district are the 102-year-old Dollu artiste Guruva Koraga and Yakshagana Maddale artiste 99-year-old Hiriyadka Gopal Rao for their contribution to the field of folk and Yakshagana, respectively.
Guruva Koraga, who came from a humble background, could not get school education. Though from Nandikur, he later built his house at Guddeangady near Hiriyadka. At a young age of 12, he took to playing the Kaddayi Dollu drums, farming and weaving baskets. He could play the Dollu drum which is about 15 kg heavy for about two hours melodiously enchanting the audience around.
He has taught the art of playing this drum to many youngsters. He has several awards to his credit, including a honorary award from the Karnataka Janapada Academy in 2017.
Hiriyadka Gopal Rao is a well-known name in playing the percussion instrument Maddale. He learnt playing Maddale from his father Seshagiri Rao, when he was 16. He learnt Yakshagana dance under Nagappa Kamath. He also worked as Maddale player in the late Kota Shivaram Karanth’s ballet.
He has served as a Maddale player in many Yakshagana melas. He also served as the principal of Yakshagana Kendra. He has taught various aspects of Yakshagana to amateur Yakshagana artistes. He has received several awards, including the Karnataka Sangeet Nataka Academy Award.
The other State-level Rajyotsava winners are Anand C. Kundar for social service, Anand Ammembala for journalism and A.A. Shetty under the Horanadu category.
Source: The Hindu