A felicitation during the Vidyaganapati Mahotsava. Photograph supplied.
Bengaluru: Karnataka Legislative Assembly Secretary M K Vishalakshi and singer Archana Udupa were among the achievers honoured during the two-day Sri Vidyaganapati Mahotsava at Gayatri Bhavan of the Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Mahasabha.
The programme combined special prayers and mahamangalarati with cultural activities, musical offerings and felicitations. Mahasabha president S Raghunath offered prayers and honoured the participants recognised for their contributions.
Low-cost hall and monthly platform for artistes
Raghunath said the Mahasabha had built a well-equipped auditorium and was making it available to artistes at a very low cost. He said the organisation honoured achievers and provided opportunities for musical performances on the last Friday of every month.
Alongside the Ganesh festival’s cultural and music programmes, the Mahasabha sought to recognise people who had served the state, he said. It would continue supporting art, music, literature and culture, he added.
Vishalakshi speaks on public service
Vishalakshi said she carried out her constitutional responsibilities without distinguishing between the ruling party and the opposition. Describing herself as the Assembly’s first woman secretary, she said it was easier to discuss administration than to manage the many challenges involved in running it.
She acknowledged her family’s support in her education and administrative career and attributed her achievements to the grace and inspiration of Guru Raghavendra of Mantralaya.

Scholars and cultural practitioners felicitated
The other honourees included H G Amruthavarshini, B N Nagaraj, Bhimasenacharya Atanur, B S Anantha Krishna Bhat, K S Arun Kumar Acharya, Phalachandra Shastri, B R Venkateshachar, Addagadde Krishnamurthy Bhat and Prabhakar Shastri.
Srikantham Nagendra Shastri, Rice Grain Venkatesh, Suma Krishnamurthy, N Raj Kamal, S N Swami and Lakshmi Rekha Arun were also honoured, along with Vishalakshi and Archana Udupa.
Mahasabha senior vice-president R Lakshmikanth, treasurer Subbanna, Brahmin Development Board chairman Asagodu Jayasimha, BJP leader Prahlad Babu, Dattatri and Ram Prasad were among those present.
