“TejoDiya” recognizes renowned personalities who provide services to the society in the fields of performing arts and literature. This cultural event is organized annually and individuals who are based locally and regionally are selected and honored for their extraordinary contributions to their respective fields.
In 2010, the GT Foundation initiated its first TejoDiya celebration, a cultural event that was held at the Town Hall in Mangalore. The curriculum includes dance, art, music and more. TejoDiya has grown in size and prominence since its inception.
TejoDiya 2014 was held at Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple Hall, in Kudroli, Mangalore on December 27, 2014. Sri K. Muralidhara Rao, an accomplished exponent of Bharathanatyam, was honored during the event. Out of the numerous accolades, the Karnataka Kala Tilaka and the Shanthala awards are the two prestigious recognitions he has received from the Government of Karnataka.
TejoDiya 2013 was held at the Town Hall in Mangalore on December 28, 2013. This year the GT Foundation had the privilege of honoring three renowned personalities from the fields of Education and Performing Arts.
- Mr. Anand Kumar, an Indian mathematician and a columnist for various National and International mathematical journals and magazines.
- Mr. Ranga Pai, an accomplished Tabla and Violin musicologist.
- Master Aman Rehman, a whiz-kid from Dehradun who is best known by the nickname of “Little Bill Gates of India”.
TejoDiya 2012 was held at the Town Hall in Mangalore on December 29, 2012. The Foundation honored the following two eminent personalities:
- Mr. Sarathbabu Elumalai, an Entrepreneur Par Excellence, a social worker, a philanthropist, and the C.E.O of FoodKing Catering services Pvt. Ltd.
- Mr. Gopalakrishna Iyer, an eminent flutist and musicologist who has rendered yeoman service to teach and popularize Carnatic Classical Music in the South Kanara Region.
Encouraged by the applause and accolades received for ‘TejoDiya 2010’, the Foundation increased the scale of the annual event and held ‘TejoDiya 2011’ on December 20, 2011 at the Town Hall in Mangalore. The following individuals were honored for their outstanding contribution:
- Dr. Balipa Narayana Bhagawatharu, a renowned exponent of Tenkutittu tradition of Yakshagana.
- Dr. Amritha Someshwar, an eminent senior folk researcher and scholar.
The two stalwarts were recognized for their six decades of service to the culture, literature and performing arts of Dakshina Kannada District. Both the doyens were offered floral tributes, fruits, shawls, plaques and Rs. 25000/- each.
TejoDiya 2010 was successfully held for the very first time at the Town Hall in Mangalore on December 10, 2010. Dr. Vasundhara Doraswamy a danseuse of repute, a Bharathanatyam Guru and exponent of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga was honored during the event.