The Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education has officially revealed the distinguished recipients of the prestigious Sandesha Awards for the year 2026. The foundation's flagship recognition program celebrates excellence intertwined with social responsibility across diverse fields. The award ceremony is scheduled for January 21, 2026.
Celebrating Excellence Across Disciplines
Addressing the media on Friday, Fr Sudeep Paul, Director of Sandesha Foundation, highlighted that the awards honor outstanding contributions linked to societal good. The foundation itself has been a consistent platform, hosting numerous workshops, seminars, and festivals in theatre, poetry, media, and literature to foster collaboration among artists, writers, and educators. In a significant academic move, it recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Karnataka Dr Gangubhai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University to launch certificate and diploma programmes.
The event will be presided over by Most Rev. Henry D'Souza, Bishop of Bellary and Chairman of the foundation. Renowned film director, actor, screenwriter, and lyricist Nagathihalli Chandrashekar will grace the occasion as the chief guest.
The 2026 Sandesha Awardees
The foundation has recognized eight awardees for their remarkable work:
Dr Na Mogasale receives the Sandesha Literature Award (Kannada). A physician-writer from Kasaragod and founder of Kantaavara Kannada Sangha, he is acclaimed for his extensive oeuvre in poetry, novels, and essays, along with his statewide efforts to promote Kannada language and literature.
Patrick K Moras is the honoree for the Sandesha Literature Award (Konkani). A veteran journalist and writer, he is recognized for his decades of literary output through stories, articles, and novels. His leadership of Nityadhar Prakashan has significantly strengthened Konkani readership and publishing.
Indira Hegde has been selected for the Sandesha Literature Award (Tulu). A noted Tulu-Kannada author and researcher, she is celebrated for her scholarly works on Tulunadu's culture, language, and matrilineal systems, her leadership in literary bodies, and her receipt of major academy honours.
SG Tungarenuka is conferred the Sandesha Media Award. The senior journalist from Tumakuru district has had a long and illustrious career across prominent magazines and ETV, known for his film industry interviews. He served as the editor of ‘Chitra' for 22 years and as the executive editor of ‘Priyanka'.
Simon Pais wins the Sandesha Konkani Music Award. A church musician and composer trained at Trinity College, he is acknowledged for his work in conducting choirs, arranging hymns, producing albums, mentoring youth, and tirelessly promoting Konkani liturgical music.
Srinivas G Kappanna is chosen for the Sandesha Art Award. A theatre organiser and lighting designer, he has led folk festivals both in India and internationally. He currently heads the Nataka Academy.
Dattatreya Aralikatte receives the Sandesha Education Award. A master puppeteer and educator trained under the legendary MR Ranganatha Rao, he is recognized for his global performances and workshops, his innovative integration of puppetry in education, and the wide acclaim his work has received.
Navajeevan Rehabilitation Centre for the Disabled, Ballari is bestowed with the Sandesha Special Recognition Award. This initiative by the Cluny Sisters, started in 1987, has made a profound impact by training persons with disabilities, supporting 72 villages, rehabilitating child labourers, and serving over 2,000 children. What began in Ballari has now expanded its reach far beyond the city.
A Legacy of Cultural Stewardship
The Sandesha Awards 2026 underscore the foundation's enduring commitment to nurturing and honouring the custodians of regional culture, language, and social service. By recognizing such a diverse array of talent—from literature in three major languages of the region to media, music, arts, education, and humanitarian work—the awards highlight the rich, multifaceted tapestry of contributions that shape society. The January ceremony promises to be a significant gathering celebrating these pillars of community and creativity.
