By Shekar Ajekar
Daijiworld Media Network—Moodbidri (RD/CN)
 
Karkala, Sep 12: Vilas Kumar Nitte, reporter, ‘Vijaya Karnataka’, was presented the ‘Rajesh Shibaje Honorary Award’ by Jayanti S Bangera, Tulu litterateur and former member of Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy, in a function held at Sri Venkataramana Women’s College, here on Friday September 11. 

The award was instituted by Udupi District Patrakartara Vedike in the name of young Rajesh Shibaje, in recognition of his significant work as a reporter. 

 
Bangera, speaking on the occasion, urged the journalists to adhere to the ethics of their profession in the interest of general masses. 
 
Yenepoya University PRO Vivek Nambiar, in his lecture on ‘Journalism Opportunities and Challenges’, said that good hobbies should be transformed into habits in order to excel in journalism.  Nambiar called on journalists to introspect on their past reporting and focus on improving their future assignments. “Journalists deserve appreciation if they exhibit presence of mind while reporting sensitive issues on the spot”, he added. 
 
Udupi District Working Journalists’ Association vice-president Devaraya Prabhu presided over the programme.
 
Sri Venkataramana Women’s College principal Mitraprabha Hegde was the chief guest. 
 
Vilas, acknowledging the honour, said that journalists reporting from the rural villages need better working conditions and more facilities.
 
Sukumar Muniyal, general secretary, Working Journalists’ Association, Hebri Chapter, welcomed the gathering. Udupi district Patrakartara Vedike president Shekar Ajekar, delivered the introductory address.  College bulletin ‘Srujana’ editor Ashok Clifford D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks. 
 
Vilas is an accomplished Tulu dramatist who took up freelancing with ‘Vijaya Karnataka’ in 2004.  He was appointed reporter of Karkala taluk by ‘Vijaya Karnataka’ in 2006 as he had contributed significant reports of interest including a crusade against superstitious beliefs prevailing in rural areas. 

Vilas gave up his steady job with the Lamina Group to pursue journalism full time.
 
He is the son of Jagannath and Prema Shetty, residents of Nitte.  He is a commerce graduate who has written scripts for 11 Tulu plays that continue to be staged in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district due to their immense popularity. 

He has also won several awards, significant among which is the ‘Ratna Varma Heggade Drama Award’ in 2005 for his Tulu play ‘Kambalada Nadutonji Kathe’.