Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Mar 22: Prashanth S Suvarna was conferred with PaGo Award in a simple ceremony at the Press Club here on Thursday, March 22.

The award has been instituted in memory of Padyana Gopalakrishna by PaGo Memorial Trust and is presented annually by the Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists' Union (DKWJU).

Prashanth, a sub-editor of Kannada daily 'Vijayavani ' won the award for his report 'Kelisade Namma Karulina Koogu?' that was on behalf of Endosulfan victims. The award consists of Rs 10,001 cash, a certificate and a memento.

Presenting the award to Prashanth, Anitha Pinto, senior journalist and former executive editor of Kannada magazine ‘Taranga’ said, “PaGo brought a new look to the district’s journalism field. With journalistic attitude, Padyana Gopalakrishna encouraged youths in this field. He always gave preference to news reports of social concern. It is very pleasing to know that DKWJU is giving away an award on his name.

“Reporting the issues of Endosulfan victims which Prashanth did is a noble deed. Journalists should always stand with the society and act like its voice. They have to show interest to work in special areas. It gives an identity to journalists. I congratulate Prashanth and hope others will follow his footsteps,” she said.

Speaking in this occasion, Manohar Prasad, bureau chief, Udayavani said, “I knew Padyana Gopalakrishna very well. In the early days of my career in media, he supported me a lot. I learnt many things from him. He never imposed his own ideology on readers. He tried to reflect the voice of the poor, needy and exploited in his reports. He is a role model for all of us. I am thankful to DKWJU for instituting an award on great visionary journalist Pa Go. This award will definitely encourage young journalists.”

Jaganath Bala, president, DKWJU, Ronald Fernandes, president, Press Club, and Shrinivas Nayak, secretary, DKWJU and others present.