Manipal: ‘Udayavani’ created a generation of cultured readers: Jayaprakash

Team Udayavani, Dec 17, 2024, 8:59 AM IST

Manipal: Udayavani and its supplements created a generation of cultured readers by presenting Kannada literature, societal events, and global happenings in a pleasant and trustworthy manner during the 1980s, said Jayaprakash C, General Manager of Canara Bank’s Manipal Circle.

He was speaking at the ‘Deepavali Dhamaka-2024’ lucky draw event, organized in collaboration with SL Shet Diamond House, Lady Hill, Mangaluru, and sponsored by Udayavani, held at Udayavani’s head office in Manipal on Monday.

“With the rise of electronic media, newspaper readers have shifted slightly. However, Udayavani has successfully retained its readers by maintaining its quality and authenticity since its inception,” he added.

He further remarked, “The founding visions of Syndicate Bank and Canara Bank were the same. Even after the merger, both forces continue as one. While Udayavani stands as a voice for people’s hardships, banks fulfill their aspirations and contribute to societal progress. The Manipal group of institutions and banks share a close relationship.”

Presiding over the event, Mr. Vinod Kumar, Managing Director and CEO of Manipal Media Network Ltd., said that the Deepavali special edition captured society’s dynamics, unique features, and meaningful thoughts while maintaining high quality. “Readers have responded positively to this. Next year, we aim to bring an even better edition,” he added.

Aravind Navada, Editor of Manipal and Mumbai editions, introduced the event and said, “Special editions are designed to align with reader preferences, covering relevant contemporary thoughts across various fields. By featuring works of renowned authors and nurturing emerging readers, we take pride in delivering a classic edition that earns readers’ trust.”

Ramachandra Mijar, Vice President of Udayavani’s Magazines and Special Initiatives, hosted the event and shared that the Deepavali special edition remains highly sought-after. “For 54 years, readers have treasured this publication. This time, we added vibrancy through literary, cultural, and social themes, reaching a record number of readers. The Deepavali Dhamaka contest offered prizes worth Rs 2 lakh. So far, we’ve gifted readers prizes worth Rs 1 crore,” he said.

Satish Shenoy, Vice President (Broadcasting and Business Development), Manipal Media Network Limited, proposed the vote of thanks.

Jayaprakash C fondly reminisced, saying, “From childhood, I cultivated the habit of reading newspapers. Publications like Udayavani, Taranga, Roopatara, Tushara, and Tunturu enhanced my thinking abilities. Back then, we eagerly waited for them to hang at shops. During my tenure in Haryana, Kannada newspapers were not available. However, upon returning to Karnataka, I would seek out and read Udayavani and Taranga special editions without fail.”

Deepavali Dhamaka Winners

Bumper Prize: M. Suresh Pai, Hosabettu, Manjeshwar

First Prize: G.H. Rayappa, Kavoor, Mangalore; Manjunath Udupa, Govind Nagar, Bangalore

Second Prize: Varada Kumari, Chitterimane, Moodbidri; Adarsha Hebbar, Kundapur; Padmini Hanamanasing, Hadari, Mudgal, Lingsugur

Third Prize: Santosh Vishnu Madivala, Kumta, Uttara Kannada; K. Narayana Acharya, Bannerghatta, Bangalore; Sharada K. Shetty, Gundibail, Udupi; Varshitha S., Suratkal

Consolation Prizes:

Krishna Prasad Ballal, Ambalpady, Udupi; Shashikala L. Bhat, Mumbai; Shriya Joy, Manipal; Latha N. Moli, Mulki; Basavaraj Amarappa Kalapabandi, Gadag; Reshma Pushparaj, Bondel, Mangalore; Shankar H. Muthalik Desai, Channabasaveshwar Nagar, Dharwad; Todika Abdulla, Bantwal; R. Lakshmikant Vamshi, Tumkur; Veena K. Darbe, Puttur; Vijayendra Kulkarni, Kalaburagi; Deepti K. Kolambal, Bellare; Maikri Suhas, Mysore; Akshata Adinje, Beltangady; Veeresh Shivamoggeppa Banajiga, Haveri; Santosh Poojari, Nitte Karkala; Shrigauri H.R., Kolar; Ashwita K., Alankaru, Kadaba; Udayachandra L., Dindawar, Hubballi; Parvati Ramanath Kothari, Kundapur