Gangadhara Naik, Shridhar Shet receive Karnataka Sadhaka Shreshtha Ratna Award in Bhatkal

Bhatkal, January 30: (Bhatkallys News Bureau) Senior writer Gangadhara Naik and teacher–author Shridhar Shet were honoured with the Karnataka Sadhaka Shreshtha Ratna State Award at a state-level journalists’ conference and award ceremony held at the Nagayakshe Sabha Bhavan in Bhatkal.

The programme was organised jointly by the Bengaluru-based organisation Working Journalists’ Voice (Registered) and its Bhatkal taluk unit.

Gangadhara Naik was honoured for his contributions to Kannada literature, music, and cultural activities. As president of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat’s Bhatkal taluk unit, he played a key role in taking literary activities to the grassroots. He is the author of the books Bhanu Bhava and Achara Suvichara, and is also known as a singer, anchor, lecturer, and cultural organiser.

Shridhar Shet, a teacher, writer, cartoonist, and artist, received the award in recognition of his multi-dimensional contributions. A recipient of the 2025 State Best Teacher Award, Shet has also made his mark in literature. His poem Beliya Hoovu has been included in the ICSE syllabus. He has served as the president of the 9th Bhatkal Taluk Literary Conference and is widely respected for his work in education and the arts.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Bangaramakki religious head Maruti Guruji, former minister Shivanand Naik, senior journalist Gangadhar Mooliyar, entrepreneur Govind Babu Poojary, and journalists from different parts of the state.