Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jan 12: The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) hosted its annual New Year Awards ceremony on January 11 at the scenic KMC Greens, recognizing exceptional achievers across various fields. The event brought together distinguished guests, faculty, students, and the wider community to celebrate excellence, dedication, and impactful contributions to society.
The event, organized by Manipal Academy of General Education, MAHE, MEMG, Manipal Media Network Limited, and Dr TMA Pai Foundation, honored eminent personalities from Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts for their outstanding contributions to society, art, and culture.
This year’s ceremony recognized four remarkable individuals for their achievements in justice, arts, philanthropy, and healthcare. These honorees were celebrated for their exceptional leadership and service in their respective fields, as well as their efforts to create awareness and inspire others.
The event was spearheaded by Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor and president of the Academy of General Education, MAHE. The felicitation address was delivered by Lieutenant General (Dr) M D Venkatesh VSM (Retired), vice chancellor, MAHE. Other dignitaries present included Dr Ranjan R Pai, chairman of MEMG and president of the MAHE Trust; T Sathish U Pai, executive chairman of Manipal Media Network Limited and vice president of the Academy of General Education; and T Ashok Pai, president of Dr TMA Pai Foundation, Manipal.
Awardees of the ‘New Year Awards 2025’
- Justice P Vishwanatha Shetty (Law and Justice):
Born in Udupi on May 2, 1944, Justice Shetty is a leading Indian jurist with a distinguished career spanning decades. He began his legal journey in 1966 and co-founded Shetty and Hegde Associates in 1971. A former part-time professor at Government Law College, Bangalore, Justice Shetty played a pivotal role in establishing the National Law School of India University. He served as a permanent judge of the Karnataka High Court, chaired the Karnataka Judicial Academy, and led the Karnataka Legal Services Authority. Appointed Karnataka Lokayukta in 2017, he championed transparency and anti-corruption efforts.
- Dr Vasundhara Doraswamy (Bharatanatyam):
A renowned Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and guru from Mysuru, Dr Vasundhara has made significant contributions to the arts. Her innovative works like Panchali and Kshaatra Draupadi have received global acclaim. An awardee of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2022) and an A-graded Doordarshan artist, she has performed worldwide, nurturing generations of dancers at her Vasundhara Performing Arts Centre.
- Tekkar Yashwanth Prabhu (Banking and Philanthropy):
A distinguished banker born in Uppinangady on December 30, 1950, Yashwanth Prabhu has over 40 years of experience in Indian banking. Rising from a clerk to senior management roles in major banks, he served as chairman and managing director of Oriental Bank of Commerce and is currently an independent director on various boards.
- Dr P Mohan Rao (Cardiology and Healthcare):
Hailing from Udupi, Dr Mohan Rao is a seasoned cardiologist with over six decades of experience. He has held leadership roles such as vice president of the Indian College of Cardiology and president of the Cardiological Society of India’s Bangalore chapter.
Dr H S Ballal expressed pride in hosting the event, stating, “Recognizing the contributions of such outstanding individuals inspires us all. Their dedication and achievements serve as a beacon for society.”
Lieutenant General (Dr) M D Venkatesh highlighted the honorees’ impact, saying, “Their contributions to literature, healthcare, and society set an example for all and inspire younger generations to aim higher.”
Justice Shetty shared his gratitude, attributing his achievements to his teachers and reflecting on the transformative power of education, saying, “Knowledge is strength. If wealth is lost, nothing is lost; if health is lost, something is lost; if knowledge is lost, everything is lost.”
Dr Vasundhara Doraswamy called dance her “breath” and expressed gratitude to her gurus and disciples. She emphasized the importance of resilience, saying, “Yoga and dance not only keep the body healthy but also bring peace to the mind.”
Yashwanth Prabhu shared his success mantra, emphasizing knowledge, adaptability, and integrity as keys to a fulfilling life and career.
Dr Mohan Rao spoke on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, stressing, “Happiness is the state of mind, and good health is closely linked to it. Lifestyle diseases can be avoided with simple measures like proper diet and regular exercise.”
The ceremony, attended by faculty, students, alumni, and well-wishers, was a fitting tribute to the honorees for their remarkable contributions to society.
(With inputs from media release)