‘Tamate’ master gets Padma Shri, state govt withdraws BDA site

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: One among the Padma Shri award winners announced on the eve of Republic Day is Nadoja Pindipapanahalli Munivenkatappa of Chikkaballapura district.

The 73-year-old has received the fourth highest civilian award in the art category. W hile the news has brought him much happiness, he has expressed disappointment against the state government for withdrawing a site allotted to him by the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA).

Munivenkatappa has had his hands full since the announcement was made with many congratulatory messages and phone calls coming his way. Once a deserted village, Pindipapanahalli has seen a flood of visitors to greet the tamate master.

“I am happy that I have been honoured with such an award. I was expecting it but did not know when it would come,” Munivenkatappa said. Recognising his talent and contributions, in February 2016, the state government had allotted a G-category (persons in public life) BDA site in Kempegowda Layout.

According to the rule, the beneficiary must pay Rs 5 lakh to the BDA and get the site registered in their name within three years from the date of allotment. However, Munivenkatappa a dalit and making a living solely out of his tamate performances only managed to put together Rs 26,000.

On January 5 this year, the BDA informed the now Padma Shri awardee that the site allotted to him was cancelled due to nonpayment. Munivenkatappa is now hoping for the state government to extend his deadline to pay the required amount.

Speaking about his art form, Munivenkatappa has said that he started his performances at the age of 17 after learning the skill from his father and continues to perform till date. He is constantly invited to various government and private events, and has even made trips to Japan and other countries abroad. Tamate is a traditional percussion instrument of south India.