Of Fruits Hidden Behind Leaves

My father was extremely publicity-shy and preferred to be a private man -- he has been described as the "fruit hidden behind the leaves". He didn't receive any recognition for his work, when he was alive -- except one -- a rather little known The Gourish Kaikini Award.

But this award gave my dad incredible boost -- mostly because it was not given by a Government entity (and the ugly lobbying that goes on for such awards in India), and because Gourish Kaikini was a highly respected name within our household, and my father cherished the award.

Gourish Kaikini himself is best described as a "fruit behind leaf" -- for most people he was "Master of Bankikodla" school, but his scholarship was deep, exploring divinity, atheism, and aesthetics.

After my father passed away, we wanted to offer the same type of encouragement or boost to a not yet recognized talent in Kannada language, and instituted the Krishananand Kamat Puraskar. This year's winner is just announced and it is Niranjana Vanalli.

Incidentally, today is the 100th birthday of Gourish Kaikini. A small function is being held in Gokarn today. Amma will be there.

Kamat Award will be given away on September 25th, and Gourish Kaikini's more famous son, Jayant Kaikini will be there.

I am sometimes amazed by the chain of inspiration that spans generations.