Mangaluru– Veteran journalist Vijay Kotyan of Vijaya Karnataka has been honoured with the ‘Brand Mangaluru’ award by the Dakshina Kannada District Working Journalists’ Association. The award celebrates journalistic work that fosters harmony and positivity.
Kotyan earned the accolade for his powerful story titled “Asif Who Donned the Tiger’s Costume”, published on October 2, 2024. The article was recognised for promoting communal unity and social goodwill.
The award includes a cash prize of ₹5,001, along with a citation and memento. The selection panel featured CCRB ACP Geetha Kulkarni, senior journalist Jaideep Shenoy, and journalism lecturer Guruprasad, according to association general secretary Jitendra Kundeshwar.
With over two decades in journalism, Kotyan began his career with Hosadiganta before joining Vijaya Karnataka. His work has consistently focused on social issues and public interest stories. He has previously received the P G Award (2019–20), the B S Venkatarama State Award (2022) for investigative reporting on narcotics, and the Abhimani Datti Award from the Karnataka Media Academy.
Hailing from Bondantila village in Neermarga taluk, Kotyan is the son of Gopal Poojary and Kamala.
The award will be presented at 11 am on June 25 at Patrika Bhavana. Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy will do the honours, with association president Srinivasa Nayak Indaje presiding. Other dignitaries include Press Club president P B Harish Rai and Patrika Bhavana Trust head R Ramakrishna.