MANGALORE: Sandesha Awards 2010 instituted by the Sandesha Foundation of Culture and Education in 1991 were presented to nine persons in recognition of their achievements in art, literature, media and social work at a ceremony here on Sunday.

Chandrashekara B. Kambara, Edward Nazareth, Janaki Brahmavar, Usha Datar, Dinesh Amin Mattu, S.N. Sethuram, Walter Nandalike and Louis Mendonca were honoured with the awards.

Mr. Kambhara has been selected for the award for his contribution to Kannada literature.

Edward Nazareth, an orthopaedic doctor, was honoured with the award for his contribution to Konkani literature. He has four collections of short stories, two novels and six books on healthcare and sex education to his credit.

Ms. Janaki Brahmavar, Tulu writer, has translated several plays of Kuvempu, Siddalingaiah and others into Tulu. She has authored several novels in Tulu.

Ms. Usha Datar has been selected for the award for her contribution towards preserving and promoting Indian classical dance forms such as Bharatnatya, Mohiniyaatam, Kuchipudi and temple dance. Mr. Sethuram is a producer and director. He has directed two popular Kannada TV serials. His works promote communal harmony and social justice. Mr. Mattu is a senior columnist, political commentator and journalist.

Mr. Walter Nandalike owns a news portal. He has been selected for the award for his contribution towards promotion of education and civil rights. Mr. Louis Mendonca is associated with education and Chaitanya Mandira, a home for the aged and sick.