Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)

Mangaluru, Apr 7: 'Pa Go Award – 2014' was awarded to Balakrishna Shibarla, reporter of Vijaya Karnataka daily in a simple ceremony held on Tuesday April 7 at Press Club here.

The Dakshina Kannada District Working Journalists' Union presents the award every year in memory of the late Padyana Gopalakrishna Bhat, for the best rural reporting.

Shibarla was awarded for his article ‘Naxal Police Madhye Nalugidavaru’, which was published on July 31, 2014 in Vijaya Karnataka. The award consists of a citation, Rs 10,001 cash prize and a memento.

Senior journalist Jagannath Shetty Bala, president of Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists' Union welcomed the guests.

The award was presented by the senior journalist and writer and chief guest of the programme G A Naik.

Speaking at the occasion Udayavani Mangaluru bureau chief Manohar Prasad, who was also a member of the jury, said, "The late Padyana Gopalakrishna Bhat was a self-made man who obtained knowledge through self-learning. He used to support my articles and news. He used to correct my mistakes and guide me on how to make my writings better. He was one of the best journalists ever, and it is really a happy moment for me to give the award in his memory."

Acknowleging the award, Balakrishna Shibarla said, "I thank Dakshina Kannada District Working Journalists' Union for choosing me for the award. I feel happy and honoured to recieve the award from the person who has dedicated 40 years of his life to the field of journalism. In DK, there are more eminent journalists, and I feel really humble to recieve it. I never studied journalism, but due to various people's support and guidance I have been able to reach this level. I thank my parents and wife for being my pillar of support."

Savitri, wife of the late Padyana Gopalakrishna Bhat, chief secretary of DKDWJU Srinivas Nayak and others were present.