Koraga community gets first Rajyotsava award
Centenary Dolu artiste Guruva Koraga proves his mettle
Udupi, November 28: Folklore artiste centenarian Guruva Koraga who has been introducing the infinity of folk culture through beating Dolu, has got the Kannada Rajyotsava award this time and thus, he has brought the first Rajyotsava award to Koraga community.
He has brought laurels to the Tulunadu and the Koraga community by getting state level recognition to the folk culture of the Tulunadu. Guruva Koraga, aged 102 years, belongs to Koraga tribal community and a resident of Balkodi of Guddeangadi in Hiriyadka. As the son of Dolu artiste Hiriyadka Thoma and Thumbe couple, Guruva Koraga has started beating Dolu in his 12th year. Now, he has been leading a simple life with his children and grandchildren.
Though he has crossed hundred years, he has not lost his interest in beating the Dolu. The beating sound of his Dolu would bring luster during Hiriyadka, Kanajaru jatra mahotsav, Garadi utsav, Kola and Kambala. Along with Guruva Koraga, his son-in-law and four-five others would join him and beat the Dolu.
Guruva Koraga depends on Rs 500 old age pension. Apart from this, he leads his life with the honorarium he gets during the Jatra, Kambala and other celebrations. But he does not have any other source of income for his livelihood.
Considering his service in promoting the Dolu culture of Tulunadu, Karnataka Janapada Academy has given its honorary award in 2017. He has also got various other awards. In last March, his birth centenary programme was conducted in Udupi.
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Draft voter list for Dakshina Kannada released: 51,815 new voters, 22,948 names deleted
Mangaluru: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the release of the draft voter list for Dakshina Kannada district as part of its 2025 voter list revision schedule. The draft, published on October 29, includes 51,815 new voters added and 22,948 names removed from the district’s list. A total of 28,827 corrections have also been made, according to officials.
The revision schedule allows citizens to raise claims and objections from October 29 to November 28. Special registration campaigns are scheduled at polling booths on November 9, 10, 23, and 24 to assist new voters in the registration process. All claims and objections will be addressed by December 24.
Voter Statistics by Constituency
The draft list outlines the following voter numbers across key constituencies in the district:
- Belthangadi: 2,32,269 voters
- Moodbidre: 2,10,211 voters
- Mangalore City North: 2,56,112 voters
- Mangalore City South: 2,53,407 voters
- Mangalore: 2,09,955 voters
- Bantwala: 2,29,236 voters
- Puttur: 2,16,821 voters
- Sullia: 2,09,261 voters
In addition, 19,905 voters between the ages of 18 and 19 have registered, while 23,894 voters in the district are above the age of 85. The list also includes 14,268 specially-abled voters, 258 NRI voters, and 514 service voters.
Voter Registration Process
New voters who turned 18 by January 1, April 1, July 1, or October 1 of this year can apply for inclusion. Those eligible can register online through the Voter Helpline App (VHA) or on the ECI’s official website at [https://voters.eci.gov.in](https://voters.eci.gov.in). Applicants are required to submit proof of age, residence, and a passport-sized photograph.
Forms for Various Purposes
The ECI has issued specific forms to streamline the voter list update process:
- Form 6: For adding new voters and NRIs; can also be used to link Aadhaar to voter ID.
- Form 7: For deleting names from the list.
- Form 8: For updating address, personal details, and EPIC card information.
Residents can also visit polling booth officers, AC offices, and Tahsildar offices for assistance. Additional information can be accessed through [www.ecokarnataka.kar.nic.in](http://www.ecokarnataka.kar.nic.in), [https://voters.eci.gov.in](https://voters.eci.gov.in), and [www.dk.nic.in](http://www.dk.nic.in). Queries can also be directed to the ECI’s toll-free number 1950, as stated by the Dakshina Kannada District Commissioner’s office in the official release.
