Rons Bantwal

Bantwal, Jun 12: Veteran journalist and retired principal Prof K Balakrishna Gatti (83), a respected figure in Karnataka's coastal region, passed away on Thursday.

Prof Gatti had served as an economics lecturer and later as principal at SVS College, Bantwal. After retirement, he had settled in Mangaluru. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter and a host of relatives and well-wishers.

Originally from Kasargod, Prof Gatti served as a lecturer in Bantwal for a long period and was popularly known as ‘Bullet Master’ during the seventies. A gifted orator, he was deeply influenced by leftist ideologies.

He worked as a correspondent for Prajavani and Deccan Herald. He also founded the daily newspaper Netravati Varthe and mentored several young journalists. As editor of Janavahini daily, he guided the publication with distinction. Balakrishna Gatti earned recognition in the field of journalism for decades through his simple yet forthright writing style.

He was the founder-president of the Bantwal Taluk Rural Journalists' Association. He also served as the president of the Bantwal Taluk Kannada Sahitya Sammelana held on November 12, 2024.

Condoling his demise, Karnataka Working Journalists' Association State President Shivananda Tagadur, KUWJ Maharashtra unit immediate past president Rons Bantwal, KUWJ Dakshina Kannada district president Pushparaj B N, immediate past district president Srinivas Nayak Indaje, and several other dignitaries paid tribute and expressed their heartfelt condolences.