Mangaluru: Three distinguished personalities from Dakshina Kannada district have been selected for the 2026 Karnataka Rajyotsava Awards, announced by the state government as part of the 71st Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations.
The awardees are veteran photojournalist Vishwanath Suvarna, social worker and Tulu language promoter A C Bhandary, and noted writer and researcher Dr Indira Hegde. They have been recognised for their contributions to media and photography, social service, and literature respectively.
A total of 71 achievers from across Karnataka have been selected for the prestigious state awards this year. The honours recognise contributions across several fields, including literature, art, culture, education, social service, science and technology.
Vishwanath Suvarna recognised for photojournalism
Vishwanath Suvarna, a veteran photojournalist from Mangaluru, has been selected for the award in the media and photography category. He worked with Deccan Herald and Prajavani for approximately 45 years before retiring as a chief photographer.
Born on March 31, 1955, in Ballalbagh, Mangaluru, Suvarna developed an interest in photography at an early age. With encouragement from his late brother Sundaranath Suvarna, he began his professional career in Bengaluru.
Over the decades, he documented major political, social, cultural and public events through his photographs. His work also took him into challenging situations, including conflicts and disturbances, where he continued to carry out his professional responsibilities.
One of his most significant projects was documenting Karnataka’s historical forts. He travelled across the state for around 18 months, photographing 116 forts and historic fortifications. The project involved visiting difficult-to-access locations and recording their architecture, historical significance and present condition.
The extensive work resulted in a coffee-table book featuring more than 600 photographs. The Kannada edition, Karnatakada Kotegalu, was published in 2017, followed by its English edition in 2020.
Suvarna has also documented Karnataka’s birdlife through Kannada Nadina Bannada Banadigalu and published Ports of Karnataka. His photographic work was showcased at the Mangaluru Lit Fest in 2019 and an INTACH programme on historical monuments in October 2024.
He received the Dakshina Kannada district’s Suvarna Mahotsava Award in 2024 for his contribution to the media field.
Reacting to his selection for the state award, Suvarna said he was delighted by the recognition. He said he had not applied for the award or expected it, adding that he continues to pursue photography even after retirement.
A C Bhandary honoured for social service
A C Bhandary, president of the Akhila Bharatha Tulu Okkoota and a prominent figure associated with Tulu language and cultural activities, has been selected for the award in the social service category.
Originally from Sajipamunnur village in Bantwal taluk, Bhandary has made contributions to Tulu language, literature, culture and social activities. He began his professional journey by establishing a typewriting training centre in Mangaluru, where he served as its principal. His association with theatre personalities during this period further strengthened his involvement in cultural activities.
He later founded the Tulu Koota and worked towards the development and promotion of Tulu language and literature. His public life also included involvement in politics and social organisations.
Bhandary served as president of the Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee in 2000 and held other positions, including vice-president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee Kisan Cell, director of the State Khadi Board and member of the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat.
In 2017, he was appointed president of the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy. He has previously received several honours for his contributions to theatre, folk art and the promotion of Tulu culture. His selection for the state award recognises his wider contribution to social and cultural activities in the region.
Dr Indira Hegde recognised for literary and research contributions
Dr Indira Hegde, a noted writer and researcher from Elathur Guttu in Kinnigoli, has been selected for the award in the literature category.
Born in 1949, Hegde has made significant contributions to both Tulu and Kannada literature. Her writing and research have focused particularly on the social, cultural and historical traditions of coastal Karnataka.
Her literary output includes three short-story collections, five novels, seven research publications, a poetry collection, two biographies and three travelogues. Alongside creative writing, she has developed a strong body of research documenting the customs, social structures and history of Tulunadu.
Some of her major research interests include the social and cultural life of the Bunt community, the region’s matrilineal family system, Garodi traditions, women’s social status and the history of Tulunadu.
Her work examines local traditions and social institutions beyond simply recording their existence, exploring their historical background and changes over time. Her studies on the matrilineal system and the position of women in coastal society have been particularly notable.
Hegde has previously received honours including the Karnataka Janapada Academy Award and the honorary award of the Tulu Sahitya Academy.
Expressing happiness over the Rajyotsava Award, Hegde said the recognition of her research efforts by the government had given her great satisfaction. She added that the honour had also increased her responsibility towards literature and research.
Recognition for Dakshina Kannada’s contribution to Karnataka
The selection of the three personalities has brought recognition to Dakshina Kannada’s contributions to photography, social service and literature.
Their work represents different aspects of the region’s cultural and intellectual life — from documenting Karnataka’s historical monuments and natural heritage to promoting Tulu language and preserving the social history of coastal communities.
The Karnataka Rajyotsava Awards are among the state’s prominent civilian honours and are presented annually to individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields.
The 2026 awards form part of the 71st Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations, with the state recognising 71 achievers for their service and accomplishments. The selection of Vishwanath Suvarna, A C Bhandary and Dr Indira Hegde highlights the contributions of Dakshina Kannada personalities to the wider cultural and social landscape of Karnataka.