Mangaluru: Mangalore University Vice Chancellor Prof P S Yadapadithaya presented the prestigious Pa Go award for excellence in rural reporting to Journalist Pradish Marody serving as sub-editor in Prajavani at Patrika Bhavan.

Yadapadithaya said P Gopalkrishna, in whose memory the award is instituted, was not a mere journalist but also a Yakshagana artist, producer of Tulu cinema, drawing expert and knew many languages. He used to always insist that a journalist should not be lured by favours, should not compromise on integrity and impartiality.

Pradish said he was brimming with happiness on receiving the award instituted in the name of a great journalist. He revealed that his choice of Journalism was by accident.

After completing BEd, he had decided to work as a reporter for local Kannada daily Suddi Bidugade and had decided to quit after securing a job as a teacher. But after working in the newspaper there was no looking back. His article, ‘Kelutilla Male Makkala Alalu’, published in Prajavani in June 2020 focussed on the hardships faced by residents of a tribal hamlet in Kuthlur in Beltangady taluk.

The members of indigenous tribal community, Malekudiyas, residing in forests for six generations had been deprived of all basic facilities, including a good road. He hoped that the departments concerned would co-ordinate and provide a motorable road to the tribal hamlet.

Jury member and Dr Shivaram Karanth Balavana Special Duty Officer Dr Sundar Kenaje said Kuthlur village was a representative village and there were many villages lacking in basic facilities.

PWD Assistant Executive Engineer Chandrashekaraiah handed over a cheque of Rs 50,000 to Journalists Welfare fund. Chandrashekariah said he had made it a practice it to donate 10% of his annual earnings to worthy causes. Previously, had donated his earnings to temple renovation works among others.

Padyana Gopalkrishna’s son Padyana Ramachandra, Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists Association President Srinivas Indaje among others were also present.