Bengaluru: The Karnataka Government has selected Senior Journalist D. Umapathy for the Vaddarse Raghuram Shetty social justice journalism award. The award, started this year by the Department of Information and Public Relations, was announced by Department Commissioner Hemanth M. Nimbalkar.

Nimbalkar highlighted that the award aims to recognize and honor journalistic contributions focused on social justice. It was announced in the 2024 state budget by the Chief Minister Siddarmaiah in memory of senior journalist Vaddarse Raghuramshetty.

The selection committee, chaired by Justice Ashok Hinchigeri, unanimously chose D. Umapathy for the prestigious award. The honor includes a cash prize of ₹2 lakh and a memento.

D. Umapathy was Born in Chitradurga district on March 18, 1959, and holds a Bachelor's degree in English Literature and Journalism from Maharaja's College, Mysuru, and a Master's degree in Journalism from the University of Mysore, where he secured second rank.

With a career spanning 27 years, Umapathy gained prominence for his work as the Delhi correspondent for Kannada Newspaper ‘Kannada Prabha’ a publication under the New Indian Express group.

He covered a range of topics, including parliamentary proceedings, election analyses, Supreme Court river water tribunal cases, national political developments, and foreign affairs. He also has extensive experience in diplomatic reporting, often accompanying ministers on international visits.

Additionally, Umapathy, who is based in Delhi, has contributed as a columnist for several prominent Kannada newspapers, including Andolana, Raitha Chalavali, Vijaya Karnataka, Prajavani, Samyukta Karnataka, and Vartha Bharati.

Currently, he serves as a guest editor for the web journals ‘Nyayapatha’ (Gauri Media) and ‘Eedina.’

He is also an accomplished author, with two notable works, Delhi Nota and Padakusiye Nelavilla.

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Raichur: The priest of the Ambabhavani Temple in Athkur village has been accused of stopping Dalit youngsters from entering the temple for a ritual related the Navaratri festival, although related parties, including the priest and Dalit leaders of the village, have denied knowledge about the incident.

A video of the youngsters, belonging to the Madiga community, who wanted to wear the ritual garlands for the festive period, being denied entry into the temple and the priest handing them the garlands keeping them outside the threshold has gone viral on social media platforms.

Yapaladinni Police officers, however, have said no police complaint about the matter has been filed so far. In addition, Dalit leaders in Athkur have said no such incident has occurred in the village, but the police officers are conducting an inquiry since youngsters have alleged that they were denied entry into the temple.

The temple priest has also refuted the charges against him, clarifying that action will be taken if a complaint is filed.