Senior Kannada novelist and writer Janaki Srinivasamurthy, popularly known by her pen name ‘Vaidehi’, will be honoured with the Karantha Award 2026, instituted by the Kalkura Prathishtana
Civil engineer and Master Planary founder SK Anand, who has protected more than 35 lakh trees by introducing the innovative ‘Cancood technology’, has been selected for Dr Shivaram Karanth Balavana State Award.
He said Anand has developed ‘Cancood’, an alternative material using cement precast technology, and has made an exceptional contribution to tree conservation across the country, Rai said. Mangalore University VC prof PL Dharma will present the award to Vaidehi, while former VC of Kannada University prof BA Viveka Rai will deliver the commemorative address, and MLA D Vedavyas Kamath will preside. Prizes for cultural competitions conducted as part of the programme will also be distributed.
At a press meet on Wednesday, S Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, president of Kalkura Prathishtana, said the award would be presented to Vaidehi in recognition of her contribution to Kannada literature. Balavana Development Committee and Award Selection Committee chairperson and Puttur MLA Ashok Rai announced this at a press conference on Monday.