Mahantesh Kavatagimath
Belagavi: Former MLC Mahantesh Kavatagimath was honoured with the Basava Puraskar 2026 for his contributions to education and the cooperative sector. Kavatagimath expressed pride at receiving the award instituted in Basavanna’s name. Recalling three decades of public service, including stints as director of KLE Society and Doodhaganga Krishna Cooperative Sugar Factory and as an MLC, he dedicated the honour to KLE Society’s founders, donors, teachers and others who contributed to its growth. He also remembered his parents, wife, brothers and mentors. Basava Puraskar awards were also presented to Justice Santosh Hegde, actor Shivarajkumar, former MP Annasaheb Jolle, Leeladevi R Prasad, flautist Pravin Godkhindi, PKM Prashanth, Mahesh Bellad, Bhimrao Patil, BR Hiremath, Shadakshari, AS Patil and journalist Chittara Shivakumar.
The award was presented at a ceremony organised by Basava Parishat at Kondajji Basappa Hall in Bengaluru on Friday.