Media Release

Udupi, Jun 18: Senior news photographer and internationally acclaimed photographer Astro Mohan has been conferred the prestigious PPSA (Proficiency Photographic Society of America) distinction by the Photographic Society of America (PSA), USA, one of the world’s most respected photographic organizations.

The PPSA distinction is awarded to photographers who demonstrate consistent excellence and achievement through their performance in PSA-recognized international exhibitions and photographic salons across the world.

With more than three decades of dedicated service in photojournalism and visual storytelling, Astro Mohan has established himself as a widely recognized photographer from Karnataka. His work has documented significant events, human-interest stories, culture, spirituality, sports, and social issues, earning recognition in numerous national and international exhibitions.

The achievement is particularly noteworthy as only a limited number of News photographers from Karnataka have earned this prestigious distinction from the Photographic Society of America.

Astro Mohan currently serves as a senior news photographer in a news publication. Over the years, he has also made significant contributions to photography education, visual documentation projects, coffee-table books, international salon photography, and photographic mentoring.

His distinctions and honours include PPSA, APSA, AFIAP, HON FSWAN, HON EUSPA, HON FICS, FIIPC, AFIP, ASOF, and APCA, among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Astro Mohan said that the PPSA distinction represents not merely a personal achievement, but the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, continuous learning, and passion for photography.

He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to PSA, his family, mentors, fellow photographers, friends, and well-wishers whose encouragement and support have been instrumental in his journey.

Astro Mohan also conveyed his sincere appreciation to Udayavani, the institution that has been his professional home for nearly three decades. He acknowledged the opportunities, encouragement, and support extended by the management, editors, colleagues, and staff members over the years.

“I remain deeply grateful to Udayavani for providing me with the platform to pursue my passion for visual storytelling. This recognition is not mine alone; it reflects the encouragement and support I have received throughout my professional journey. The PPSA distinction inspires me to continue documenting meaningful stories and striving for excellence in photography,” he said.

The PPSA distinction was officially conferred by the Photographic Society of America on June 17, recognizing Astro Mohan’s sustained excellence and achievements in international photography.