The Karnataka government has announced that 70 eminent personalities spanning various fields—including acclaimed actor Prakash Raj, Air Marshal Philip Rajkumar (retd), and former hockey goalkeeper Ashish Ballal—will be honoured with the prestigious Karnataka Rajyotsava Award on November 1, 2025. The awards will be presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to mark the 70th Kannada Rajyotsava, celebrating Karnataka’s formation and cultural heritage.
For the first time in the history of the awards, no open applications were invited; a selection committee finalised the list based on district representation, social contribution, and expert recommendations. Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi confirmed that the awards reflect broad regional inclusion, with 12 women among the recipients and two talents from the Samagara Haralayya community recognised for the first time.
The Rajyotsava Award entails a cash prize of ₹5 lakh, a 25-gram gold medal, and a citation of honour. The awardees come from diverse sectors such as literature, sports, judiciary, entertainment, science and technology, agriculture, social service, and the arts, representing Karnataka’s rich tapestry of talent and achievement.
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Among the notable awardees are writer Rajendra Chenni, environmentalist T.V. Ramachandra, and social worker Solgatti Eramma, aged 103, who has been lauded for her lifelong dedication to social welfare. The ceremony will be conducted at Bengaluru’s Ravindra Kalakshetra, where the state will honour these cultural and societal contributors amid grandeur and celebration.
The Karnataka Rajyotsava Award remains one of the highest civilian honours in the state, symbolising recognition of outstanding service and excellence. The 2025 edition aligns with Karnataka’s milestone 70th foundation day, cementing its role in fostering pride and encouraging continued contributions to the state’s growth and identity.
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