The Karnataka Ratna Award: A Call for Revitalization and Consistent Recognition
The karnataka Ratna, the state’s highest civilian award, is facing scrutiny from within the Kannada film industry and beyond. Established in 1992 to honor unusual contributions to various fields, the award’s selection process and timing have sparked debate among veteran filmmakers and artists. This article delves into the concerns,proposed solutions,and the urgent need for a more consistent and meaningful recognition system.
A Legacy of Loss: Posthumous Honors & Their Limitations
Recently, the passing of icons like Vishnuvardhan (2009) and Saroja Devi (July 2024) has reignited the discussion. Vishnuvardhan, a cornerstone of kannada cinema with over 220 films to his name, and Saroja Devi, celebrated as the industry’s “female superstar” with a six-decade, multi-lingual career, both left indelible marks.
Though, many believe recognizing their achievements after their passing diminishes the impact. As National award-winning filmmaker P. Sheshadri points out, “Rewarding someone posthumously isn’t the right way to treat our artists.” Filmmaker Rajendra Singh Babu echoes this sentiment, stating that posthumous awards offer solace to families but fail to acknowledge decades of dedication during the artist’s lifetime.
This raises a critical point: talented individuals shouldn’t be compelled to seek recognition. The current system, some argue, inadvertently creates this situation.
The Current State of the Karnataka Ratna
The Karnataka Ratna’s history is marked by infrequent awards. poet Kuvempu received the inaugural honor in 1992. Most recently, the award was conferred upon the late Puneeth Rajkumar in 2022, following his untimely death at age 45. This sporadic nature undermines the award’s prestige and creates uncertainty.
Moreover, the criteria for selection remain unclear. Sheshadri questions whether the award prioritizes experience or genuine contribution to the field. He suggests that producers like N. Veeraswamy and Dwarakish are highly deserving of consideration.
Proposed Solutions: Streamlining and Consistency
Several prominent figures advocate for a revamped approach, drawing inspiration from the dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Here’s a breakdown of the key recommendations:
* Annual Presentation: Rajendra Singh Babu proposes mirroring the Dadasaheb Phalke Award by presenting the Karnataka Ratna every year. This would ensure consistency and demonstrate a continuous commitment to recognizing excellence.
* Dedicated Selection Panel: Establishing a panel of experts to finalize candidates is crucial. This would introduce objectivity and transparency to the process.
* Broaden the Scope: T.S. Nagabharana, a commitee member for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, emphasizes the need to look beyond the arts. Recognizing contributions in literature, science, and other fields would showcase Karnataka’s diverse talent pool.
* Recognise Overlooked Pioneers: Nagabharana specifically names Hunsur Krishnamurthy, G.V. Iyer, and actor-producer Jayanthi as figures long overdue for recognition.
Why This Matters to You
as a patron of Kannada culture and cinema, you deserve a system that accurately and consistently celebrates its brightest stars. A revitalized Karnataka Ratna,awarded annually and judged by a dedicated panel,would:
* Elevate the prestige of the award.
* Inspire current and future generations of artists and innovators.
* Ensure that deserving individuals receive recognition during their lifetimes.
* strengthen Karnataka’s cultural identity.
The time for discussion is over. It’s time for action to ensure the Karnataka Ratna truly reflects the state’s rich heritage and celebrates its remarkable individuals.
Further Reading:
* Karnataka bids farewell to Vishnuvardhan
published: September 13, 2024 10:37 pm IST
