Feb 23, 2008
Support & Pics Kishoo Barkur
A role model to young aspiring female journalists, she is undoubtedly a daring and a dynamic journalist in Kannada print and electronic media. Though her basic interest is television (serial production), she is the only woman editor who manages three leading Kannada periodicals as editor.
Meet Sandhya Pai, a journalist par excellence who has made an indelible mark in the field of Kannada media. She has a prestigious background, hailing from the renowned Pai family of Manipal, and her calibre and achievements have only added another feather in her family's brimming cap.
Manipal Media Network has created big name in the state through their various print journals and electronic media. Her husband Satish U Pai, is the managing director of this huge group, an equally dynamic personality and intelligent brain who took the Manipal Media Network to greater heights.
In today's world, journalism is a challenging field, and one needs to be alert throughout to stay ahead of the rest. In the women's world, though there are plenty of young talents coming up, very few have dynamism. But Sandhya Pai has proved her worth by managing three periodicals. Taranga weekly, the no 1 Kannada weekly has a huge circulation and has been enjoying a special place in the hearts of the readers for several years. TUSHARA monthly is a completely literary magazine, and ROOPATARA, a monthly cine magazine. Her editing skills also come to the fore with special supplements of UDAYAVANI daily and TUNTURU the children's fortnightly. She has proved her creative talents, administrative efficiency and executive skill and endeared herself to the reading public within a short period of her entry into the print media .
Walter Nandalike, editor-in-chief of Daijiworld had the opportunity to meet the dynamic lady at her office in Manipal recently and ask her the secret of her success. She had a very simple answer, which indeed showed her greatness - 'Its team work, I am not alone responsible for this role. I have a well-organized and dedicated team. The secret of my success is my team" said the down-to-earth Sandhya Pai.
'Television serial production is my favorite field. I have produced hit serials which have run successfully for more than a year in Kannada TV channels like ETV.' She proved her mettle in her very first venture in the electronic media. She has written and directed the 252 episodes of 'Bidige Chandrama', a tele serial which was telecast on ETV Kannada. Her serials 'Bidige Chandrma' and 'Guptagamini' have bagged an astonishing eight awards instituted by 'Aryabhata' cultural organization.
'I want to portray real family stories through my serials. Serials should be watched by the entire family sitting together,' she says thoughtfully.
Sandhya Pai has an enduring interest in embroidery and Indian continental cuisine. She has an insatiable curiosity for new things and spirit of enquiry, two virtues that set apart an extroordinary journalist from the rest. She has a scientific and analytical mind which integrates contemporary developments and social concerns. She has wide and frequent interactions with the best in various fields including world travel and print technology. All these coupled with her rich and varied experiences in different fields have contributed immensely to the enrichment and popularity of her publications.
Her thought-provoking editorial column on Taranga Weekly 'Priya Oduga' is indeed loved by every reader. The column contains healthy and relevant thoughts from Vedanta, the Upanishads, the Bhagavadgeeta, Yoga, Tantra and Zen. Her extensive reading, exhaustive study, long years of experience and wide knowledge have contributed to the deep and meaningful editorials.
Apart from being an ace journalist, she is also a conscientious social worker. She has a very strong place in her heart for the cause of women. She fights for the rights of women, especially women deprived of social rights. She is the president pf Manipal Mahila Samaj, has actively participated in the women's awareness programmes and readily responded to the inner emotional cries of women.
Sandhya Pai has won several prestigious awards for her contributions to the entertainment industry, journalism and social achievements. Some of them are as follows:
- 'Attimabbe award' for her remarkable contribution to journalism. She is the first woman in this field to be conferred with this honour.
- PR Person of the year 2003 award, for her creative talents, administrative efficiency and executive skills.
- Sadhana award for her tremendous work in various fields conferred by Swatishri Charukeerti Bhattaraka Swamiji, Shravanabelogala (2005).
- Karnataka Media Academy award 2006 for her laudable achievements in the field of journalism.
- 'Shreemata' award by Sri Ramachandra Muth, Hosanagar in 2007.
Sandhya Pai is also the inspiration behind the progressive ideas of her son Gautam Pai who is the executive director of Manipal Media Network Ltd, managing the Manipal press.
Walter Nandalike - Archives:
Exclusive interviews: