Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Jun 24: Special reporter of Kannada daily, 'Vishwavani' from the city, Jitendra Kundeshwar, will be felicitated on behalf of Karnataka Vishwa Samvada Kendra, Bengaluru at the Narada birth anniversary programme being held on Sunday June 24.
Veteran columnist, Du Gu Laxman, will honour Jitendra at the 'Narada Jayanthi' programme, which will take place at Rashtrothana Shareerika Shiksha Kendra at Jayanagar Bengaluru. On this occasion, editor of 'Hasiruvasi ' publication, Radhakrishna Bhadti, will also be felicitated.
Jitendra Kundeshwar is known for his special reports covering criminal activities in coastal Karnataka and also research articles. He had been honoured with 'Vaddarse Award' for his report backed by social concern over the despicable standard of living of Koragas, who have been neglected by the society, which appeared in Kannada daily, Vijay Karnataka, in 2003. He bagged Pa Go Award for rural reporting in 2004 for a report over eviction of aborigines from naxal infested areas, and the Governor's 'Charaka Award' for another report based on humanitarian concern about the hardships faced by children living by the streets in 2010.
Kundeshwar is known for bringing out exhaustive report about the presence and activities of naxals in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts, and serial articles about the activities of Indian Mujahideen in the city. His special reports and columns had brought vivid details of terrorism activities and underworld activities which were getting deep-rooted in Karnataka coast.
Jitendra's articles over the bad state of Shiradi Ghat section of national highway had whipped the government out of its slumber and forced it to concrete this road. Through his special reports which appeared in 'Vishwavani' and popular column, 'Vare Nota', he attracted attention of both the government and the society towards different burning issues. His sting operation over collection of bribes in buckets by policemen in check posts standing on Kerala border had awakened the society to this bitter truth. After the said article appeared in 'Vishwavani', the said controversial check post was removed.
Kundeshwar was the first to publish investigative report over installation of cellphone camera inside the ladies toilet at Mangalore University. As a result, the accused was arrested, and security for women was increased in the university.
Being an excellent Yakshagana artiste, Jitendra had depicted the role of goddess Devi in a Yakshagana episode with aplomb and earned lot of fans. He also appeared in supporting roles in some Kannada and Tulu films.