State award for Bhalchandra Nemade, Shahir Hegde

Mumbai, Feb 10 (PTI) Leading Marathi novelistBhalchandra Nemade and folk singer/writer Shahir'' LiladharHegde would be conferred with state government''sGaurav-vrutti'' award for this year at a function on February21.

The announcement was made by Madhu Mangesh Karnik,chairman of the Government''s literature and culture committee,here today.

Nemade broke a new ground in the Marathi writing withhis first novel, Kosla (1963), which was followed by Jarila,Jhool, Bidhar etc, all of which were acclaimed by the critics.

Last year he came out with the first part of his ambitiousfour-part novel Hindu'' which traces the history of Indiancivilisation.

Hegde is known for his inspirational patriotic songs.

He started his singing career from Quit India movement in1942. He is also a writer of novels, and children''s books andalso an actor.

Gaurav-vrutti consists of cash prize of Rs 50,000 and acitation.

Another award, Sahitya Sanman-vrutti'' would beconferred upon writers R G Jadhav, Kamal Desai, R R Borade,Anil Awachat, Ashok Kelkar, Bhaskar Chandanshiv, Vasant AbajiDahake, Vilas Sarang, Tara Bhawalkar and Asha Bage.

It consists of Rs 25,000 and a memento.