Karnataka is celebrating its formation Day today. It was this day in 1956 that the state was formed and in 1973 it came to be known as Karnataka, comprising of Kannada-speaking areas. On this day, the Kannadigas celebrate their culture, tradition, language and heritage.<br />'' <br />''Karnataka government has announced Rajyotsava Award that will be conferred upon 68 persons, including ISRO Chairman S Somanath, for their meritorious service in their fields. The award, considered to be the second highest civilian award given by the state government annually, is conferred today.<br />'' <br />''In addition to 68 Rajyotsava awards, it was decided to give away 10 awards to organisations, on the occasion of 'Karnataka Sambhrama' celebration marking the golden jubilee of renaming of Mysuru state as Karnataka. The awardees include 13 women, 54 men and one trans-geneder. Also two centenarians are part of the list. The awardees will get Rs 5 lakh cash and a 25-gram gold medal.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Renowned theatre personality Chidambar Rao Jambe, Yakshagana singer Leelavathi Baipadithaya, actors 'Bank' Janardhan and Dingri Nagaraj, Professor C Naganna and Subbu Holeyar for literature and journalists Dinesh Amin Mattu and Maya Sharma are among the awardees this year. Bengaluru's Mythic Society and Karnataka Sangha in Shivamogga are among the organisations that have got the award.</span><br />