Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 11: The growing research orientation among journalists in Dakshina Kannada has added considerable dignity to the profession, said Mangaluru University vice-chancellor Prof P L Dharma, observing that several newspaper reports and books produced by journalists are comparable to serious research writings.

Speaking at the presentation of the 2026 'PaGo' Award at the Press Club in Mangaluru on Tuesday, Prof Dharma said journalists in the district had also made a significant contribution to the growth and enrichment of the Kannada language.

The programme was organised jointly by the Dakshina Kannada District Working Journalists’ Association, Mangaluru Press Club and Patrika Bhavana Trust.

“Some of the reports and books written by journalists are no less than research writings,” Prof Dharma said, praising the research-oriented approach of journalists in the district.

He said the use of Kannada by journalists in Dakshina Kannada was exemplary and that they had played an important role in the movement to nurture and strengthen the language.

“Journalists here have continued to work as part of the movement to develop Kannada. Their contribution is significant from the perspective of language development as well,” he said.

Referring to award recipient Samshuddin’s special report, Prof Dharma said the language used in the report and its effort to highlight an important issue before the government deserved appreciation.

“The language used in Samshuddin’s special report and the way the issue has been presented is a good effort to alert the government,” he said, adding that the language experiments of Kannada journalists in the district had proved highly effective.

“I have noticed the use of many new words and expressions by journalists here,” he said.

Prof Dharma also drew attention to the plight of indigenous and marginalised communities in the district amid the rapid march towards privatisation. He said government institutions and the education sector continued to be a ray of hope for the Koraga community, the indigenous inhabitants of Dakshina Kannada, as well as several other communities and families living in even more deprived conditions.

“At a time when an attitude of neglect towards the public sector is increasing in Dakshina Kannada amid the rush towards privatisation, government institutions and the education sector continue to be a ray of hope for many marginalised communities and families,” he said.

He stressed the need for sustained efforts to bring their problems to the attention of the government and secure appropriate intervention.

Receiving the award, journalist Samshuddin said the recognition had added to his responsibility. “This award has increased my responsibility. The government’s assistance is essential to address the problems of indigenous people who have been deprived of opportunities,” he said.

Senior journalist Chidambara Baikampady, recalling his association with veteran journalist Padyana Gopalakrishna ('PaGo'), said 'PaGo' had remained committed to professional values even at a time when journalists worked with very limited facilities.

“Despite the lack of facilities in those days, 'PaGo' never discriminated on the basis of caste, religion or language in his profession,” he said.

Baikampady described the institution of the 'PaGo' Award as a commendable initiative to encourage young journalists from rural areas in the name of the veteran journalist.

Presiding over the function, Dakshina Kannada District Working Journalists’ Association president Pushparaj B N said 'PaGo' was an innovative and experimental journalist who had made a distinctive contribution in several fields, going beyond the geographical boundaries of the district and the State.

Mangaluru Press Club president P B Harish Rai, Patrika Bhavana Trust president Annu Mangaluru and State Working Committee member Srinivasa Nayak Indaje were present.

Dakshina Kannada District Working Journalists’ Association treasurer Vijay Kottian Padu welcomed the gathering. General secretary Rajesh K Poojary proposed the vote of thanks, while vice-president Muhammad Arif Arif Padubidri compered the programme.