Uppinangady, August 8, 2026: Arun Kumar Puthila, founder of the Puthila Parivara Seva Trust, was conferred the Patala Kruthi Gaurava in recognition of his contributions to social, religious and cultural activities.
The honour was instituted by the Patala Yaksha Prathishtana, Uppinangady, founded in memory of the late Yakshagana stalwart Patala Venkataramana Bhat on August 6, 2026. The award was presented at a programme presided over by former Karnataka president of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Harikrishna Punaroor.
Speaking on the occasion, writer Muli Shankar Bhat said Puthila had demonstrated through his work that meaningful social service was possible without holding any position of power or authority.
He said the honour, traditionally associated with artists, had been presented to a patron of the arts and social worker as a recognition of his concern for society. The Patala memorial honour, he added, symbolised the connection between the cultural and social spheres.
‘I dedicate the honour to my supporters’
Receiving the award, Arun Kumar Puthila said he was surprised when he was selected for an honour named after the highly respected Yakshagana personality Patala Venkataramana Bhat.
“I initially wondered why I was chosen for this award. I have now been told that it was in recognition of my social activities,” he said.
Puthila dedicated the honour to the numerous members and supporters of the Puthila Parivara who had encouraged and supported him in carrying out various social service activities.
‘Patala’s life remains an inspiration’
Releasing the book ‘Patala Nenapu’, Kalakoor Prathishtana president Pradeep Kumar Kalkoor said Patala Venkataramana Bhat’s lifestyle and his commitment to Sanatana traditions and practices remained worthy of emulation.
Referring to the reported theft of money at the Sri Ram temple in Ayodhya, Kalkoor said attempts should not be allowed to weaken people's faith. He noted that theft had existed throughout history and that those responsible had faced punishment. He called upon families to remain vigilant without allowing such incidents to undermine faith.
Vidwan Melukote Umakanta Bhat said Patala Venkataramana Bhat had maintained a disciplined spiritual life, giving importance to the welfare of the self, family and society through regular religious practices. His spiritual teachers had given him the name ‘Divya Praja’, he said.
“Remembering Patala should inspire us to resolve to become responsible and spiritually conscious members of society,” he added.
Seven former workers honoured
One of the highlights of the programme was the felicitation of seven people who had worked in Patala Venkataramana Bhat’s household and garden.
Patala’s children honoured them on stage in recognition of their dedicated service and contribution to his life and achievements. The gesture received prolonged applause from the packed gathering of Yakshagana enthusiasts.
Patala had often acknowledged that the dedicated service rendered by these workers at his home had played an important role behind his achievements. Following their father’s values, his children honoured the service community, earning appreciation from the gathering.
Financial assistance was also distributed to various organisations in memory of Patala Venkataramana Bhat.
A Yakshagana Talamaddale titled ‘Sri Krishna Parandhama’ was presented as part of the programme.
Retired Army officer Chandappa Moolya, Dr. Vasanth Kumar Talteje, Vedavyasa Ramakunja, Keshava Bhat Palladakodi, Suji Ganapathi Naik, Narasimha Bhat Moodaje, Kang Vishwanath Shetty, Dr. M.N. Bhat, Hariprasad Shetty Bollavu, Sudhakar Shetty Gandhi Park, Jayaprakash Shetty Srinidhi, Radhakrishna Bhat Bollavu, Lakshmana Gowda Neddil, Naveen Kalyati, Dharnappa Naik Bollavu, Prashanth Nekkiladi, Kailar Rajagopala Bhat, Lokesh Bettodi, Keshava Rangaje and Ramesh Bandari were among those present.
Artist Amba Prasad Patala welcomed the gathering, while Srirama Bhat Patala proposed the vote of thanks. Mahalingeshwara Bhat Billampadavu compered the programme.
Keywords
Arun Kumar Puthila, Patala Kruthi Gaurava, Uppinangady News, Yakshagana, Patala Venkataramana Bhat, Puthila Parivara Seva Trust, Puttur News, Citizen News Puttur
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