Hindustani classical vocalist to receive Alva’s Virasat Award

Mangaluru: The Alva's Education Foundation, Moodbidri, has announced its annual national cultural festival, Alva's Virasat, set to take place from Dec 10 to 15 at the Vanajakshi K. Shripathi Bhat stage in Puthige, Moodbidri, near here. This vibrant six-day celebration is eagerly preparing to welcome art, language, and culture enthusiasts from across the country, with a diverse lineup of performances.M Mohan Alva, president of the foundation, said on Wednesday, that the prestigious ‘Alva's Virasat Award' will be presented this year to Padma Shri Pandit M Venkatesh Kumar, an eminent Hindustani classical vocalist and revered guru.Hailing from Lakshmipura in Ballari, Pandit Venkatesh Kumar began his musical journey under his father, Hulegappa, a folk singer and shadow puppetry artiste (Togalu Bombe). He later trained extensively in the Gwalior and Kirana gharanas under Guru Puttaraj Gawai, and also studied Carnatic music. Known for his devotional renditions of Kannada Vachanas and Dasarapadas, he received numerous honours, including the Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and Karnataka Rajyotsava Award.Celebrated for his powerful, resonant voice, Kumar's influence spans traditional and devotional music, with performances on renowned stages in India and internationally. Being celebrated for the past 30 years, Alva's Virasat has become a cherished annual cultural landmark.