Jabbar Samo honored with Muliya Thimmappayya Award

www.mangaloretoday.com

Udupi, Feb. 23, 2025: Renowned Yakshagana interpreter Jabbar Samo was conferred with the prestigious ’Muliya Thimmappayya Award’ in a ceremony held on Saturday at the Dhvanyaloka Auditorium, RRC building, MGM College campus, Udupi. The event was jointly organized by the Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai Research Centre, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, and the Muliya Thimmappayya Award Committee, Mangalore.

In his acceptance speech, Jabbar Samo highlighted the inclusive nature of Yakshagana, describing it as an art form that transcends caste and religious barriers. He expressed gratitude for the role the art form has played in his journey and underlined its pivotal contribution to the promotion of Kannada culture.

Congratulating Samo, Yakshagana artist Prof. M.L. Samaga lauded his literary finesse in interpretations, calling it a reflection of Yakshagana’s artistic depth. "Art has no boundaries of caste, creed, or religion, and Jabbar Samo exemplifies this principle," he said.

As part of the event, the works of late Manorama Bhat, Audio Natakagalu and Swayamvara, were unveiled by Muliya Raghavayya.

The program was presided over by MGM College Principal Prof. Lakshminarayana Karanth, with senior educationist and writer Dr. Mahabaleshwara Rao and Muliya Award Committee member Dr. Narasimha Murthy gracing the occasion as chief guests.

Dr. B. Jagadeesh Shetty, Administrative Officer of the Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai Research Centre, delivered the welcome address and introductory remarks. Kannada lecturer Ambika compered the program and proposed the vote of thanks.