Police snub Rajyotsava awardees

BANGALORE: Confusion reigned supreme at the state awards presentation ceremony on the occasion of "Kannada Rajyotsava" on Saturday. So much so, the police even snubbed a few recipients by denying them entry to the venue, Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bangalore.
Film producer Chandulal Jain was among the award-winners whom the police failed to identify. Even as a visibly upset Jain tried to establish his identity, a policeman remarked: “Get lost, we know whoever comes here claims to be an award-winner.’’ Jain finally gained entry only after a dignitary intervened.
The award-winners had more disappointment in store when police denied entry to their close relatives due to lack of space at the jam-packed venue.
In letters sent to the recipients, the government had said they could be accompanied by three relatives. But only one person was allowed to accompany the recipient to the venue, while the rest were accommodated in the balcony of the auditorium.
Even the public had a harrowing time. There was only one entry point to the auditorium and people had to literally squeeze through the doors.
However, the award presentation ceremony began on time and chief minister S.M. Krishna personally felicitated each of the recipients. Later, addressing the gathering, CM urged the people to strive to promote Kannada and welfare of society.