Rani Abbkka State Award conferred to Dr Ashalatha S Suvarna and Sri Tukaram Poojary for their outstanding contributions to tulu culture and for establishing Rani Abbakka Adhyayana Kendra at Sanchayagiri, B.C Road, Bantwal (on Febraury 10th 2018 at Mysore). They were also recognized by the Dakshina Kannada Sahitya Parishath during the Sahitya Sammelana at Subramaya in March 2018.
Dr Ashalatha S Suvarna is an Associate Professor of Commerce at Shree Gokarnanatheshwara College Mangalore and is also the President of Mangalore University Commerce Teachers Association.
Sri Thukaram Poojary is Vice Principal and Associate Professor of History at SVS College, Bantwal.
Both are instrumental in establishing the Rani Abbakka Tulu Adhyayana Kendra and Tulu Baduku Museum and have dedicated their services in preserving the rich culture of yesteryears.