Guruvappa Balepuni becomes first Kannada journalist to bag Sarojini Naidu Award

September 16, 2011

Mangalore, September 16: Senior journalist Guruvappa T N Balepuni has been chosen for prestigious 'Sarojini Naidu National Award-2011' for his special report on rural development.

The selection committee chose Mr Balepuni for his special report 'Idkiddu Gram Panchayat - A Living Example of Rural Development' published in 'Hosa Digantha' Kannada newspaper on June 14, 2011.

The award instituted by the Hunger Project, a global strategic organisation, consists of Rs 2 lakh in cash and a trophy. The award will be conferred at a function in New Delhi on October 2.

This is the first time that this national level award has gone to Kannada among regional languages.

Mr Balepuni, who entered the field of journalism in 1986, has worked for various Kannada media firms in Dakshina Kannada before joining 'Hosa Digantha' 15 years ago.

Currently being the senior correspondent of 'Hosa Digantha' in Mangalore, Mr Balepuni, has a special interest in the field of rural development and Panchayat Raj system.

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Situation in Nagamangala town peaceful after Ganesh idol procession violence: Home Minister

News Network

September 14,2024

Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday said the situation in violence-hit Nagamangala town in Mandya district is peaceful now, and steps have been taken to ensure that no untoward incidents take place.

Clashes had broken out between two groups during the Ganesh idol procession in the town, following which mobs went on a rampage with stone pelting and targeting several shops and vehicles leading to tension on Wednesday night.

"Situation in Nagamangala is now peaceful and there is no problem there. I have also instructed officials to hold a peace meeting there. We have instructed officers to ensure that no untoward incidents take place, enough police force is also stationed there," Parameshwara told reporters here.

About 55 people have been arrested in connection with the incident and they have been sent to judicial custody, according to police sources.

Responding to a question on opposition parties including JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy raising doubts about the FIR, he said, "The police will do what has to be done in accordance with law..."

Asked about BJP sending a fact finding team to Nagamangala, the Home Minister said, "Let them find the facts and inform us, and if there is any fact from their fact finding, we will look into it. It will make our work a bit easier." The BJP panel consisting of MLA C N Ashwath Narayan, former Minister Byrathi Basavaraj, former Minister K C Narayana Gowda, state secretary Lakshmi Ashwin Gowda, and former IPS officer Bhaskar Rao, will visit the spot and submit a comprehensive report to the party in a week.

According to police, an argument had broken out between two groups, when the Ganesh idol procession by devotees from Badri Koppalu village reached a place of worship on Wednesday, and some miscreants hurled stones, which escalated the situation.

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