Media Release

Dubai, Nov 6: Recognizing his remarkable contributions to social service, education, and the promotion of Kannada and Tulu languages, art, literature and culture, prominent Kannadiga, social worker and patron of arts Satish Poojary Belapu has been conferred with the prestigious District Rajyotsava Award 2026.

For the past 25 years, Satish Poojary has been actively involved in various social, educational and cultural initiatives across the United Arab Emirates. His achievement has brought immense happiness and pride to his admirers, well-wishers and the Kannada-speaking community.

Currently serving as general manager at Pioneer Insurance, Satish Poojary has successfully balanced his professional career with extensive community service. He is a recipient of the Aryabhata International Award and a founding member of the organisation Namma Tuluver. He has also previously served as president of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah and Billawas Dubai and Northern Emirates, making significant contributions to community development.

Through the Sri Guru Charitable Trust, he has been providing substantial financial assistance to underprivileged students, following the ideals and teachings of Brahmashree Narayana Guru. For the past 10 years, he has been supporting students of Government Fisheries College, Polipu, by providing uniforms and scholarships. He has also been actively involved in scholarship and food donation initiatives for students of Vijaya College, Mulki, for several years.

His role in bringing together the Tulu and Kannada-speaking communities in the UAE and promoting awareness of their language, literature and cultural heritage has been noteworthy. He serves as the Convener of Sri Sathyanarayana Pooja Samithi, Trustee of the UAE wing of Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation, Trustee of Sri Kshetra Gejjegiri and an active member of the Dharmasthala Sri Ramakshetra Udupi Committee.

In recognition of his valuable contributions to social service and cultural development, he has received several prestigious honours, including the Chanakya Award, Billava Shree Ratna Award, Hemmeya Kannadiga Award, Kala Poshaka Award and Parivarthana Shree State Award.

Apart from his social and cultural activities, Satish Poojary has also played an important role in creating employment opportunities in Dubai for people from Karnataka and Kannadigas living outside their homeland, thereby positively transforming several lives.

Despite residing abroad, his unwavering commitment to his motherland, its languages, traditions and cultural values reflects his deep-rooted connection with his community.

The District Rajyotsava Award 2026 is a fitting recognition of his dedication, selfless service and longstanding contributions to society, education and cultural preservation. Various community organisations, office-bearers, well-wishers and admirers have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Satish Poojary Belapu on this prestigious achievement.