<p>Balopatt artiste of Kodagu, K K Ponnappa has been awarded Karnataka Janapada Academy Award for the year 2020.</p>.<p>Ponnappa hails from Yavakapadi village of Madikeri taluk.</p>.<p>Expressing his happiness on being selected for the award, Ponnappa said that he is now 67 and had learned the art of Balopatt from his elders.</p>.<p>He is keen on passing on the tradition to the next generation and hence has been training the youngsters.</p>.<p>"During festivals and fairs, many curious youngsters turn up to know about the art form. There are a number of songs in Balopatt," he added.</p>.<p>Ponnappa said he has taken part in Balopatt competitions in the district and has won prizes.</p>.<p>The Karnataka Kodava Academy has offered him felicitation.</p>
<p>Balopatt artiste of Kodagu, K K Ponnappa has been awarded Karnataka Janapada Academy Award for the year 2020.</p>.<p>Ponnappa hails from Yavakapadi village of Madikeri taluk.</p>.<p>Expressing his happiness on being selected for the award, Ponnappa said that he is now 67 and had learned the art of Balopatt from his elders.</p>.<p>He is keen on passing on the tradition to the next generation and hence has been training the youngsters.</p>.<p>"During festivals and fairs, many curious youngsters turn up to know about the art form. There are a number of songs in Balopatt," he added.</p>.<p>Ponnappa said he has taken part in Balopatt competitions in the district and has won prizes.</p>.<p>The Karnataka Kodava Academy has offered him felicitation.</p>