Mangaluru: Recognising outstanding contributions to society across education, healthcare, culture and various other fields, Dakshina Kannada district has announced its Rajyotsava Awards for 2026, honouring 96 achievers.
Among the prominent recipients are Dr Praveen Martis SJ, vice-chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, and Dr Suresh Rao, noted radiation oncologist and director of Mangalore Institute of Oncology (MIO). Both have made significant contributions to their respective fields, strengthening the district’s reputation as an important centre for education and specialised healthcare.
Their selection highlights the role of academic leadership, medical expertise and community-oriented initiatives in the development of Dakshina Kannada.
Dr Praveen Martis recognised for contributions to higher education
Dr Praveen Martis SJ, vice-chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, has been recognised for his contributions to higher education, academic development and institutional leadership.
Holding a doctorate in Chemistry from the University of Namur, Belgium, Dr Martis has served in several important academic and administrative positions during his career. His previous responsibilities include serving as principal of St Aloysius College and as rector and principal of St Joseph’s Autonomous College, Bengaluru.
His appointment as the first vice-chancellor of St Aloysius following its transition to deemed-to-be-university status in 2024 marked an important milestone in the institution’s academic journey.
Under his academic leadership, the institution has continued to focus on strengthening higher education, promoting research and encouraging interdisciplinary learning. His approach also emphasises equipping students with professional competencies and life skills that prepare them for changing career opportunities.
Dr Martis has contributed to academic research, with more than 15 publications in international journals. His experience in higher education also includes serving on peer teams of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), contributing to the assessment and quality enhancement of educational institutions.
In recognition of his academic leadership, he received the Best Principal Award for 2022–24 from the All India Association of Christian Higher Education.
His contributions to institutional development and student-centred education have helped strengthen Mangaluru’s position as an important educational destination in Karnataka.
Dr Suresh Rao honoured for advancing cancer care
Dr Suresh Rao, director and senior radiation oncologist at Mangalore Institute of Oncology, has been recognised for his contributions to specialised cancer treatment and community healthcare in coastal Karnataka.
An alumnus of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Dr Rao has gained extensive clinical experience through professional engagements at leading cancer centres in Europe and the United States.
With expertise in external-beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy, he has contributed to the development of advanced radiation oncology services. He has also helped establish three radiation oncology centres globally and was among the pioneers in introducing stereotactic ablative radiation therapy in Mangaluru.
His work has helped expand access to specialised cancer treatment in the coastal region, enabling patients to receive advanced medical care closer to home and reducing the need to travel to distant healthcare centres.
Beyond clinical treatment, Dr Rao has been actively associated with cancer awareness, prevention and early detection initiatives. He has emphasised the importance of educating communities about cancer risk factors, screening and the benefits of identifying the disease at an early stage.
As president of Sanjeevini Cancer Seva Trust, he has been associated with several community outreach activities aimed at improving cancer awareness and access to information.
One of the notable initiatives was a cancer awareness survey covering more than 10,000 households across Dakshina Kannada. The initiative sought to understand community awareness and encourage preventive healthcare practices, particularly among sections of society with limited access to specialised medical services.
Through his clinical work and community engagement, Dr Rao has contributed to strengthening cancer care and promoting a greater understanding of early diagnosis and prevention in the district.
Recognition of contributions to Dakshina Kannada
The selection of Dr Praveen Martis and Dr Suresh Rao among the 96 Rajyotsava awardees reflects the diverse achievements of individuals contributing to Dakshina Kannada’s development.
While Dr Martis has focused on strengthening academic institutions, research and student development, Dr Rao has worked towards advancing specialised cancer treatment and taking healthcare awareness initiatives into the community.
Their contributions represent two important sectors that have shaped Mangaluru’s identity as a regional centre for education and healthcare.
The district-level Rajyotsava Awards recognise individuals whose professional achievements and service have made a difference to society. The recognition of these two distinguished personalities also highlights the importance of sustained institutional development, innovation and community engagement in building a stronger Dakshina Kannada.