Karnataka Rathna Awarded to Vishnuvardhan and Sarojadevi

Quick Summary:

• The Karnataka Cabinet has decided to confer the State’s highest civilian award,’Karnataka Ratna,’ posthumously on Kannada film actors Vishnuvardhan and B. Sarojadevi.
• vishnuvardhan had a career spanning over four decades, acting in more then 200 films.
• B. Sarojadevi appeared in over 200 films during her six-decade-long career. She passed away in July 2025, while Vishnuvardhan died in December 2009.
• The Cabinet has also decided to recommend the Bharat Ratna posthumously for Kannada literary icon Kuppalli Venkatappa Puttappa,popularly known as Kuvempu (died November 1994).
• kuvempu was the first Kannada writer to receive the Jnanpith Award and is the author of Karnataka’s State anthem Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate.

Indian Opinion analysis:
the decision by the Karnataka government is a notable recognition of cultural contributions from diverse fields such as cinema and literature. By honoring popular figures like Vishnuvardhan and B. Sarojadevi with ‘karnataka Ratna,’ it not only celebrates their individual legacies but also underscores their lasting impact on Kannada cinema as cultural touchstones for generations of audiences.

The suggestion for Bharat Ratna to Kuvempu acknowledges his immense contribution to Indian literature and regional pride through works deeply rooted in kannada identity, such as crafting the State anthem. This move could inspire greater attention toward regional literary giants at a national level,promoting India’s rich linguistic diversity within it’s cultural framework.

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