Media Release

Udupi, Aug 18: On the occasion of World Photography Day, renowned photojournalist Astro Mohan has been conferred the title of Honorary Fellow of Image Colleague Society International (Hon.FICS), one of the highest distinctions awarded by the Image Colleague Society International, USA (ICS).

The global recognition, bestowed under the leadership of Tony Le Kim Thuan APSA, Hon.EFIAP, Sarah Tai Mei Lin ARPS, and the ICS Honor Committee, acknowledges Mohan’s outstanding contributions to photography and his role in advancing photographic art in India and abroad.

A senior news photographer with Udayavani, Mohan has been active in the field since 1994 and is widely known for his experimental and innovative approach to photojournalism. Over the years, he has won more than 500 national and international awards, including the Gold Medal – Gran Prix Zaffiri at the Jewels Circuit 2025 International Photo Contest, FIAP Ribbon and jury honours in several international salons, awards from the AP Photojournalists Association, and the Summer Photo Awards 2025.

In 2021, he received the Associateship of the Photographic Society of America (APSA) and currently serves as the Assistant Country Membership Director for India, PSA. He is also a Canon EOS Maestro and has mentored young talents through workshops across India for more than two decades.

Beyond news photography, Mohan has made a mark as an author and cultural documentarian. His published works include A Day with the Saint, Chitramaya Udupi, Pictorial Journey to Udupi, Udupi-Manipal Then and Now, and his most recent book, Udupi Then and Now, released in February 2025.

Deeply connected to Udupi’s cultural roots, Mohan has used his photography to preserve heritage, promote traditions, and bring recognition to coastal Karnataka on global platforms.