Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Oct 31: Recognising distinguished contributions to society, healthcare, education, culture and various other fields, Dakshina Kannada district has announced its Rajyotsava Awards for 2026, honouring 96 achievers.
Among the distinguished recipients are Dr Praveen Martis SJ, vice-chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, and noted radiation oncologist Dr Suresh Rao, whose contributions have made a significant impact on the region's educational and healthcare sectors.
Dr Praveen Martis SJ, vice-chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, has made notable contributions to higher education and academic development in the coastal region.
A doctorate in chemistry from the University of Namur, Belgium, Dr Martis has served in several important academic and administrative positions, including as principal of St Aloysius College and rector and principal of St Joseph's Autonomous College, Bengaluru. His appointment as the first Vice-Chancellor of St Aloysius following its transition to deemed-to-be-university status in 2024 marked an important milestone in the institution's academic journey.
With more than 15 publications in international journals, Dr Martis has combined academic research with institutional leadership. His work has focused on strengthening higher education, promoting research, encouraging interdisciplinary learning and creating opportunities for students to develop professional and life skills.
He has also served on National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) peer teams and received the Best Principal Award for 2022–24 from the All India Association of Christian Higher Education. Through his leadership and commitment to student development, he has contributed to enhancing Mangaluru's standing as an important educational centre in Karnataka.
Dr Suresh Rao, director and senior radiation oncologist at Mangalore Institute of Oncology (MIO), has played an important role in strengthening specialised cancer care in coastal Karnataka.
An alumnus of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Dr Rao has gained extensive clinical experience at leading cancer centres in Europe and the United States. With expertise in external-beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy, he has helped establish three radiation oncology centres globally and was among the pioneers in introducing stereotactic ablative radiation therapy in Mangaluru.
His work has helped bring advanced cancer treatment closer to patients in the region, reducing the need for them to travel to distant centres for specialised care.
His contribution extends beyond hospital-based treatment to cancer awareness, prevention and early detection. As president of Sanjeevini Cancer Seva Trust, he has been associated with community outreach initiatives, including a cancer awareness survey covering more than 10,000 households in Dakshina Kannada. Through these efforts, he has sought to improve public understanding of cancer prevention and screening and encourage early diagnosis, particularly among communities with limited access to specialised healthcare.
The recognition of Dr Martis and Dr Rao among the 96 district-level awardees highlights the diverse contributions of individuals who have helped shape Dakshina Kannada's healthcare and educational sectors. Their work reflects the district's continuing strength in professional excellence, community service and institution-building.
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