Sridhara Achar was a veteran Kannada journalist whose career spanned nearly 45 years, making significant contributions to journalism in Karnataka. He began his journey with Navabharatha in Mangalore in 1965 and later moved to Bangalore, where he worked in various roles at Prajavani, one of the leading Kannada dailies. After retiring from Prajavani, he briefly worked with Samyukta Karnataka before becoming the editor of the evening newspaper Sakshath Sudhi.

Beyond journalism, Achar also played a crucial role in community and educational initiatives. He served as the first president of the Vishwakarma Samaja Vedike in Bangalore, where he worked to unite and uplift the Vishwakarma community. Additionally, he was a founding member of the Vidhya Vardhaka Sangha, an organization focused on promoting education and social welfare. His leadership and dedication in these fields demonstrated his broader commitment to societal development, making him a respected figure both in journalism and community service.

Sudhakar Darbe, son of K. Gopala Acharya and Meenakshi, hails from Puttur, Dakshina Kannada, and is a B.Com graduate from St. Philomena’s, Puttur. He began his artistic career in 1986 with the weekly Manvantara and later worked with political weeklies like Aarambha and Prajamaata. In 1991, he joined Kannada Prabha, where he has been working for over 33 years, currently serving as the Chief Artist.

Darbe has created over 5,000 book covers for notable Kannada literary works and designed illustrations, caricatures, and special features for Kannada Prabha, Indian Express, and the English monthly Gentleman. He has also contributed to popular TV shows and publications with his artwork.

His achievements include the Karnataka Media Academy Award (2019), Kempegowda Award (2016), and the “Publishing Next Book Cover of the Year” award for Kere-DaDa (2023). Sudhakar Darbe’s work has earned him widespread recognition in media and literature, establishing him as a prominent artist and designer in Kannada journalism.

Renowned Kannada film journalist Badoor N Subramanya, affectionately known as Subbanna, has been honored with the prestigious national award in the critics category for his remarkable 43-year contribution. His dedication to the Mysuru-based ‘Andolana’ daily newspaper has earned him this recognition.
The Ministry of Information under the Government of India announced the 69th National Awards on Thursday evening. For B N Subramanya, this signifies the receipt of a certificate at the national awards ceremony. At the age of over 70, BN Subramanya’s reception of the highest award has brought immense joy to film journalists everywhere. He also holds the position of Honorary President of the Karnataka Chalanachitra Patrakartara Sangha and boasts an extensive background as a committee member for state and national awards.
Originally a lecturer, BN Subramanya ventured into journalism through ‘Chitradeepa’ in the 1970s. His journey led him to contribute to various publications like Chitratara, Samyuktha Karnataka, Karmaveera, Janavaahini, and he currently serves as a columnist for the Mysuru Andolana daily newspaper.
His acclaimed column, ‘Wide Angle,’ is characterized by fearless and unbiased writing. Subramanya submitted a selection of nine articles from his ‘Wide Angle’ column, published in both Andolana and its English version, for consideration in the National Film Awards.
While previous recipients of the national award like NK Raghavendra and Manu Chakravarthy were not film journalists, BN Subramanya becomes the pioneer in this regard. The category he triumphed in was established in 1984 by the National Film Awards Committee.
From Vishwakarma Samaja Vedike Bengaluru, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to our esteemed community member, B N Subramanya, for this prestigious award.

Chandranath Acharya was born in Puttur, Karnataka. He received his Diploma in Painting and Drawing in 1973 and his Post-Diploma in Graphics from Shantiniketan in 1981. He has received numerous awards including the Karnataka State Lalit Kala Academy award in 1979 & 1998 and the Kannada Rajyotsava Award in 2008. Chandranath has held seven solo shows in India and has been a part of several important group shows in India such as the National Exhibition of Art, Delhi in 1979, 1980, 1983 & 1984, and also the ’50 years of Independence’ exhibition, Delhi in 1997.
He has also been a part of group shows in Singapore, Hong Kong, Johannesburg and London. He has participated in numerous artist camps and workshops both in India and abroad.
His paintings depict Royal personages living in a fantasy world of unfulfilled dreams and a false sense of achievement. Playful portrayals, teasing historical references mixed with royalty’s penchant for kitsch, jostle each other for space on his canvasses. He lives and works in Bangalore.

K.Manohara Acharya, Founder MD, Creative Head- MAZ FOUNDATION. Self-made man

Ganesh Kasargod, son of Dharmasthala Subraaya Achar and U Shambavi, holds an MA in Kannada and Literature. He has extensive experience in journalism, having worked for major Kannada publications. His career includes stints at Vijaya Karnataka (6 years), Samyukta Karnataka (10 years), Karmaveera (3 years), Abhimaani Prakashana (4 years), Chitrataara (2 years), Chitra Deepa (2 years), and contributions to several other outlets like Hi Bengaluru, Mangala, Aandolana, and Raichuru Vaani.

Ganesh has received numerous awards, including the Karnataka Rajya Chalanachitra Sahitya Academy Prasasthi, Karnataka Rajya Maadyama Prashasti, YNK Saahitya Prashasti, and many others.

His literary works include Chadurida Kanasugalu, Mouna Maatadaga, Nooru Chitragalu Nooraru Nenapugalu, Off the Record, and Face 2 Face, among others. He has also contributed to several television shows, such as Chadurida Chitragalu and Banna Massima Baduku.

Shilpi Chidananda Acharya Moovaje, Shilpi and Teacher in Traditional Sculpture Mr. Chidananda Acharya Moovaje, a revered sculptor and teacher specializing in traditional sculpture, hails from Moovaje. Son of M. Gopala Acharya and Pushpa, he holds a BVA in Traditional Sculpture and Temple Architecture. With two decades of experience in this field, Chidananda Acharya has left his mark on numerous projects. Notably, he was part of the prestigious team involved in the construction of the "Raam Lalla" idol, a project of great significance. His expertise and dedication have earned him recognition in the realm of traditional sculpture and temple architecture.