Vartha Bharati to be awarded St Paul’s National Media Awards for Excellence in Digital Journalism
Bengaluru: In recognition of its contribution to the field of journalism, Vartha Bharati has been selected for the Excellence in Digital Journalism award at the St Pauls National Media Awards (SPNMA) 2025. The prestigious awards, which celebrate outstanding work in journalism, broadcasting, digital media, and publishing, were announced by St Pauls College, Bengaluru.
SPNMA is an initiative of the Society of St Paul, a global media-driven organization, and is part of St Paul’s 111-year-old legacy in media (1914–2025). The awards honour professionals who uphold journalistic ethics, foster public awareness, and make a lasting social impact through their work.
The awards Jury, in a press statement said, "This prestigious recognition honors Vartha Bharati's unwavering commitment to ethical journalism, factual reporting, and impactful digital storytelling. Vartha Bharati's contributions to Journalism have set a benchmark in responsible and insightful news coverage."
Vartha Bharati’s recognition in the Excellence in Digital Journalism category underscores its commitment to independent reporting, in-depth analysis, and ethical news dissemination. Over the years, the platform has built a reputation for delivering credible and impactful journalism, catering to a wide audience with its sharp reportage and digital presence.
The St Pauls National Media Awards 2025 is hosted by St Pauls College, Bengaluru, a premier institution dedicated to media education.
Dr. Prashanth Venugopal, Coordinator of SPNMA Awards and faculty member at the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, St Pauls College, announced the awardees in an official statement.
Alongside Vartha Bharati’s Abdussalam Puthige, several other prominent journalists and media professionals will also be acknowledged. Ravindra Bhat of Prajavani for Excellence in Print Journalism, Kiran H.V. of TV9 for Excellence in Crime Journalism, and Maruthi S.H. of News First Channel was for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism. The Excellence in Public Relations & Lifetime Achievement Award will be conferred upon M.B. Jayaram, while Bala Chauhan will be awarded for her work in Investigative Journalism. Other awardees include Girish Linganna for Science Communication, Aravind Gowda for CSR Communications, P.D. Sathish Chandra for Radio Communication, Prof. Shailashree B. for Media Education, Rashmi Rao for Podcasting, Chethan Kumar for Space and Defence Journalism, Sridevi Iyengar for Lifestyle & Entertainment Journalism, and Sunitha Rao for Health Communication.
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National Herald case: Shivakumar to seek time next week to appear before Delhi police
New Delhi/Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said he will ask for time from Delhi police to appear before them next week, to provide required information as part of the probe into the National Herald case.
He said he will seek time after the ongoing winter session of Karnataka legislature ends on December 19. He will also ask the Delhi police to provide him the FIR copy.
Shivakumar, who is in the national capital, had earlier said that he will appear before the Delhi police on Monday. But, he postponed the plan in order to rush back to Karnataka to participate in the last rites of veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa, scheduled later in the day in Davangere.
"I had to go (to appear before the Delhi police), but I have to go back urgently. I'm asking them for time, stating that I will come next week," Shivakumar told reporters in New Delhi.
"They (Delhi police) have not attached the FIR copy while issuing notice to me. I need FIR copy, because we had already given all the required replies to the ED. I don't know what the FIR says, I only read in papers. They have given notice, I will ask for a FIR copy. I will come next week after the Assembly session."
The Delhi Police had issued a notice to Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Congress chief, seeking financial and transactional details as part of its probe into the National Herald case.
The notice issued by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) states that Shivakumar is "supposed to be having vital information" pertaining to the National Herald case registered on October 3 this year, against top Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
In the notice dated November 29, the EOW had asked Shivakumar to appear before it or provide the requested information by December 19 latest.
Investigators have sought details about his personal background, his association with the Congress party, and a complete break up of funds allegedly transferred by him or associated entities to Young Indian.
To a question on meeting AICC General Secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, amid the ongoing power tussle between him and CM Siddaramaiah over the Chief Minister post, Shivakumar said when he comes to Delhi, he usually meets every one.
"Whether it is Surjewala or Kharge (AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge) or Venugopal, I will meet everyone. During lunch yesterday I met Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. I have met everyone. What's wrong?" he asked.
Shivakumar was in Delhi to take part in Congress' "Vote Chori" rally on Sunday, and had also participated in the lunch organised by the party for its leaders.
Responding to a question, whether any meeting is planned with leaders today, the Deputy CM said, he and Kharge will be travelling together to Karnataka, to pay last respects to Shamanuru Shivashankarappa.
Asked if he will seek time for a separate meeting with Congress leadership including Rahul Gandhi, during the next visit to Delhi, Sivakumar said, "such things will be there between us in the party.... you don't worry."
