Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 6: The South Canara Photographers Association (Regd.), Dakshina Kannada–Udupi District, marked 36 years of service to the photography fraternity with its annual general meeting held at St Sebastian Church Hall, Bendorewell, Mangaluru, on Sunday, with a call for greater unity, professionalism and adaptation to rapidly changing technology.
The 36th annual general meeting of the district-state award-winning association was held on the late former district coordinator Naveen Kudroli Memorial Stage. The programme was inaugurated by H S Nagesh, president of the Karnataka Photographers Association (KPA), Bengaluru.
Addressing the gathering, Nagesh described the South Canara Photographers Association as a model organisation for Karnataka, particularly praising its discipline, punctuality and systematic conduct of programmes.
He said the association’s functioning and organisational discipline had set an example for photographers’ associations at the taluk and district levels across the state.
District president Naveen Rai Puttur, who welcomed the gathering and presided over the meeting, highlighted the challenges confronting photographers in a rapidly changing professional landscape. He urged members to equip themselves with emerging technologies and continuously develop their skills to keep pace with changes in photography.
He also briefed members about a scheme under which substantial financial assistance would be provided immediately to the family of an SKPA member in the event of the member’s death.
Recalling the association’s history, Naveen Rai said the organisation established by senior photographers 35 years ago had been built through the dedication and commitment of several generations.
“Taking forward the organisation established by our seniors 35 years ago is the responsibility of all of us. We must take the next step towards strengthening the organisation by remaining united and working with love and mutual trust,” he said.
District coordinator Gopal Sullia, president of the South Canara Photographers Multipurpose Cooperative Society K Vasudeva Rao, and Building Committee president Anand N Bantwal were the chief guests.
District general secretary Ajay Mangaluru, treasurer Herick D’Souza, vice-presidents Devaraj Shetty Surathkal and Dattatreya Karkala, and District Advisory Committee members Vittal Chowta, Keerthi Mangaluru, Karunakara Kanangi, Jagannath Shetty, Wilson Gonsalves, Sridhar Shettigar and Padmaprasad Jain were present.
District committee members Harish P Kotian, Amrit Beejadi, Harish Kundar, Prakash Sherigar, Suresh Koudange, Lokesh B N, Chidananda A, Ravi Kotian and Rajesh Shankarpura also attended.
The presidents of all 14 zones were present on the dais. They were Balakrishna Shetty (Kundapura–Byndoor), Alvin Andrade (Brahmavar), Divakar (Udupi), Santosh Kapu (Kapu), Pramod Pai (Karkala), Prashanth Shetty (Mangaluru), Srinivas Bappanadu (Mulki), Nithin Beluvai (Moodbidri), Shashikanth Gowda (Sullia), Jayanth Gowda (Puttur), Rajendra K. (Bantwal), Ravi Naravi (Belthangady), Rajesh Ullal (Ullal) and Devi Prasad Shetty (Surathkal).
Founders hoist flag; exhibition inaugurated
SKPA founder members Vittal Chowta and Keerthi Mangaluru hoisted the association flag. The photography equipment exhibition stalls were inaugurated by district coordinator Gopal Sulya.
The event also turned the spotlight on members who have brought recognition to the organisation through their achievements in photography.
Internationally acclaimed photographer and award winner Astro Mohan of Udupi was felicitated. Senior association member Vivek Ballal of Kapu and Shantharam Shaini Studio of Puttur were also honoured for their contribution and association with the organisation.
Former district general secretary Harshakar, recipient of the KPA Chhayabhooshana Award, was felicitated on the occasion.
Members who have won national and international photography awards were also recognised. They included Ravi Kotian of Moodbidri, Javed Akhtar of Kundapur, Nidheesh and Prasad Jattanna of Udupi, Pradeep Uppoor of Brahmavar, and Sagar Devadiga of Mangaluru.
Meritorious children receive educational assistance
The association also extended support to the next generation of its members’ families by distributing Vidyanidhi and Vidyasphoorthi awards to the children of members who secured the highest marks in the SSLC and PUC categories.
Members and children of members who had excelled in various fields were also recognised with shawls and mementoes.
District vice-president Devaraj Shetty read out the list of Vidyanidhi award recipients.
Bantwal tops 14-zone rankings
In the annual zonal awards, Bantwal zone emerged first, while Kapu zone secured second place and Belthangady zone finished third.
The annual subscription amounts were subsequently handed over to all 14 zones.
The association also unveiled its official Facebook and Instagram accounts, marking another step towards strengthening its digital presence and communication with members and the wider photography fraternity.
Annual, financial and sports reports presented
The previous year’s annual report was presented by Suresh Koudange, while the income and expenditure statement was presented by district treasurer Herick D’Souza.
District sports secretary Harish Kundar presented the sports report, and district joint secretary Amrit Beejadi read out the annual report.
Raghavendra Udupi compered the programme. District vice-president Dattatreya Karkala delivered the vote of thanks, while Naveen Bangera led the prayer.
The 36th annual gathering thus brought together the association’s founders, senior members, office-bearers, zonal representatives, award-winning photographers and the families of members, while underlining the need for unity, technological advancement and continued professional growth in the photography sector.