- By The News Observer Desk,
Ankola, March 20, 2026 – Renowned film actress and Bhuvanam Foundation President Harshika Poonacha on Friday emphasised that no matter how high one rises in any field, the sacred bond of family must remain eternal and never be forgotten. “We must never cause hardship to our elders,” she said while inaugurating the 13th edition of the Prathibha Puraskar and Lecture Programme organised by the Gaonkar Memorial Foundation.
The event also witnessed the release of the revised edition of the book on multifaceted freedom fighter Bommayya Raku Gaonkar. Speaking after inaugurating the programme and releasing the book at Gandhi Mandir, Bhasagod, Harshika Poonacha expressed deep pride in being part of the meaningful initiative. “Ankola’s rich culture, the strong hold of Kannada language here, and the exceptional hospitality of the people have left me overwhelmed with emotion. Visiting the historic Gandhi Mandir, the very place where Mahatma Gandhi once stayed, has filled me with pride. Participating in this programme will remain one of the most unforgettable moments of my life,” she added.
Foundation President Devanand Gaonkar, in his welcome address, highlighted the programme’s unbroken 13-year journey. “Our family and well-wishers have made it possible to consistently honour talent. So far, 112 achievers have been recognised and felicitated,” he said. He expressed special pride that an artiste of Harshika Poonacha’s stature — who, through Bhuvanam Foundation, rendered exemplary social service by distributing medicines and food kits to over 35,000 families across 16 districts during the Covid-19 crisis and received the Mother Teresa Award — had graced the occasion.
Gangadhar Hiregutti, Editor of a leading daily, who presided over the function, described the programme as highly meaningful. “For the past 13 years, this initiative in memory of freedom fighter Bommayya Gaonkar has been conducted with great purpose,” he noted.
Dr Ranjit Nayak, delivering the keynote lecture, urged the youth to shoulder greater responsibility: “If India is to become a superpower, the youth must take the lead through constant innovation and relentless effort.”
Poetess Akshata Krishnamurthy introduced the book, while Rajashree Nayak welcomed the guests. Chandrashekhar T. Nayak spoke on the immortal legacy of Vasarey Manudevi Nayak. Meenakshi Patil and Deepti Argekar enthralled the audience with poetry recitation. Students of P.M. High School, Vedatri Ganapati Tandel and Rahul Doddani, recited the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.
Achievers from various fields were conferred the Prathibha Puraskar:
Sainath Manu Dhawan Joyda, Mahatma Manjunath Jain (Kumta), Shameetha Rajshekhar Nayak (Mundagod), Atreya Ravish Gaonkar (Yellapur), Saishree Arun Nayak (Karwar), Yashwant Simon Deevate (Honnavar), S. Aditi (Ankola), Navneet Naveen Kamath (Dandeli), Shafika M. (Kagadahaliyaal), and Kalpana Vamasti Mogera (Bhatkal).
A captivating Yakshagana dance performance was presented by Prithvi Devanand Gaonkar and Puneet Maruti Nayak.
The programme was compered by A.R.J. Madhuri Monappa Nayak (Bhasagod) and Shilpa Nayak (Karwar). Foundation office-bearers Ganapati Nayak and Govindray Nayak were present on the dais.
Reporting by Nagaraj Jamblekar, Ankola
