Mangalore: Pa Go Award conferred on journalist Mohammed Arif Padubidri

Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)

Mangalore, Jun 1: Veteran journalist Chidambara Baikampady presented the 'Pa Go' award to Mohammed Arif Padubidri, chief reporter with Kannada daily Vijaya Karnataka, at a simple ceremony held at Press Club here on Saturday June 1.

He was chosen the award for his report on ‘Yashodha’ a rural napkin unit which was published on June 12, 2012.

After conferring the award, Chidambara Baikampady said, "I feel that we veteran journalists are losing our existence in the field of journalism and are outdated. Journalism is also losing its ethical values."

Sharing his experience and memories with Padyana Gopalakrishna in whose honour the award is instituted, Chidambara Baikampady said, "Padyana Gopalakrishna was a unique personality, and not easy to describe. Padyana Gopalakrishna has contributed a lot to the field of journalism; his writings and personality were really an inspiration to us. His bold writings shook inefficient politicians. Friendship with Padyana Gopalakrishna showed me the way. During the 80s he was a person who brought more reputation to this field. He was a person who used to follow up a news till it reached its logical conclusion."

"He was bold in actions and decisions, he had even asked me to ask negative questions to get good report. I was brought up in the tutelage Padyana Gopalakrishna, he showed me that report should be simple instead of complex, and used to scold me to improve myself and made me work more. He preached me how report should be fair and faithful. Padyana Gopalakrishna was a voracious reader. He even said ‘till pen is with journalist, he has good reputation’ and also supported his juniors to explore in the field of journalism."  

"Earlier, there were great journalists like Padyana Gopalakrishna, Narasimha Rao, A B Mayya, Upadhyaya who toiled a lot. The current generation has not much of a clue about them. We should be aware of such personalities, hence books on these great people should be written and published for the benefit of future generatio," he said.

Acknowledging the honour, Mohammed Arif Padubidri said, "Padyana Gopalakrishna is really an inspiration to us. I offer my gratitude to the almighty, my family, friends and colleagues who have always wished the best for me."
He recalled the article wherein he read about Padyana Gopalakrishna’s sense of humour. 

Ronald Anil Fernandes, senior journalist of Deccan Herald, who was part of the jury also spoke on the occasion.

Savitri Gopalakrishna, P B Harish Rai, president of DK Working Journalists' Union, Ramakrishna, president of Press Club, Srinivas Nayak Indaje, secretary of DKWJU were present.