Muddu Thirthahalli
Vitasha Rhea Rodriguez has been writing stories, poems and articles in Konkani and Kannada newspapers for the past seven years under her poetic name Muddu Thirthahalli and they are constantly being published in the newspapers.
Muddu Thirthahalli has already published 6 books Huo Gonchalu (Poems and Stories – 2006), Kanana Kalarava (Poems – 2008), Yestu Bannada Irulu (Poems – 2010), Ondhu Chanrana Tundu (Elegant Essay – 2011), Kada Hadiya Hugaloo (Novel – 2013), Kshamisalaguvudilla Kshamisi (Poems – 2018) whose Kada Hadiya Hoovugalu is a novel made into a film.
Karnataka Sahitya Akademi Award, Kavyananda Award, Bendre Granth Prize, Kannada Sahitya Parishad’s Aralu Award, Karianna Datti Award, Sharada R Rao Datti Award, Gangamma Somappa Bommai Aralu Moggu Award, Kannada Shri Award, Vidyasagar Bal Award, Advisor Award, Kerala-Kasargodu Culture Award, Outstanding Talent Award by Women and Child Welfare Department, Shivamogga, In 2012, won first prize in Kannada Prabha magazine’s state level children’s poetry competition.
Thirthahalli is surrounded by beautiful natural spots including waterfalls, forests and hills, making it a favorite destination for nature lovers and trekkers. The serene atmosphere and pleasant climate of this region attracts tourists from different parts of the country.