Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Bidar
Bidar, Apr 12: In a significant recognition of journalistic service, the Karnataka Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ), which is steadily progressing towards its centenary milestone, conferred its special award on senior journalist Sreedhar Uchchil, a member of the KUWJ Maharashtra State Unit and veteran reporter with Karavali Ale daily.
The honour was bestowed during the valedictory ceremony of the two-day 40th KUWJ State Conference held at the Zira Convention Hall on Janawada Road in Bidar — a historic region known for its Sufi heritage and the cultural legacy of social reformer Basavanna. The event was held under the presidency of KUWJ State president Shivananada Tagadur.
The award presentation brought together a host of prominent dignitaries, including Karnataka Legislative Assembly speaker U T Khader, opposition leader R Ashoka, forest, environment and Bidar district in-charge minister Eshwar Khandre, former minister Bandeppa Kashempur, MLAs Dr Shailendra Beldale, Dr Siddu Patil and Marutirao Mule, Karnataka Information Commission member B Venkata Singh, and Bidar district Working Journalists’ Association president Anand Devappa, among others, who jointly felicitated the awardee.
KUWJ general secretary G C Lokesh, treasurer Vasudeva Holla M, office-bearers and executive committee members were also present on the occasion. KUWJ Maharashtra founding president Rons Bantwal, president Dr Shiva Moodigere, Dakshina Kannada District Journalists’ Association president Pushparaj B N, and Udupi district state representative Astro Mohan joined fellow members in congratulating Sreedhar Uchchil.
The conference drew participation from journalists across Karnataka as well as neighbouring Maharashtra and other states, reflecting its wide regional reach. KUWJ traces its origins to the Mysore Journalists’ Association founded by D V Gundappa (DVG) under the patronage of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, and since its reorganisation following the 1956 state unification, it has continued its sustained efforts for the welfare and professional development of working journalists.