A Life Dedicated to Letters Language and Journalism
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
MANGALURU: The selection of Chidambara Baikampady as President of the 28th Dakshina Kannada Kannada Sahitya Sammelana is a moment of profound significance for the literary and journalistic community of the region. The prestigious district literary convention will be held on March 27 and 28 at Sparsha Kala Mandira B C Road Bantwal under the guidance of a personality whose life work reflects intellectual depth cultural commitment and social responsibility.
The decision was taken unanimously by the district executive committee of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat and formally announced by Dr M P Srinath President of the Dakshina Kannada District Unit. This choice stands as recognition not only of seniority but of a lifetime devoted to Kannada language literature and ethical journalism.
A Distinguished Literary Voice
Widely respected as a thoughtful and original poet Chidambara Baikampady has enriched Kannada literature through acclaimed poetry collections such as Begudi Vastavada Lekkachara and Kappu Huduga. His creative engagement also extends into Tulu culture notably through the audio cassette Tulu Prema Geethegalu which continues to resonate strongly with regional audiences.
His literary expression is marked by emotional depth social awareness and philosophical clarity qualities that have earned him enduring respect among scholars writers and readers.
Architect of Responsible Journalism
Chidambara Baikampady has also made an indelible mark on Kannada journalism through decades of principled and influential work. He has served in pivotal editorial and reporting roles at leading publications including Mungaru and Kannada Prabha.
His professional journey includes two years with Amrita weekly three years at Divyavani weekly ten years as Chief Reporter at the Mungaru daily fifteen years as Principal Reporter at the Kannada Prabha daily and service as Editor in Chief of the publication Bimbadwani.
His close association with Mungaru during a defining decade alongside senior journalist Vaddarse played a crucial role in shaping the publication vision and credibility. His reflective work Idu Mungaru offers valuable insight into the ethics challenges and responsibilities of the journalism profession.
Through incisive reporting and articles infused with social concern he has significantly strengthened and broadened the scope of Kannada journalism.
Scholar Administrator and Cultural Contributor
Beyond journalism and creative writing Baikampady has contributed meaningfully to academic and cultural institutions. He has served as a member of the Mangalore University Senate and the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy. His authored works include books on journalism political discourse and cultural analysis including P Go Prapancha and other notable titles.
A Legacy of Recognition
Chidambara Baikampady work has been acknowledged with numerous prestigious honors including the Dakshina Kannada District Rajyotsava Award the Best Investigative Journalist Award from the Karnataka Union of Journalists and the All India Radio annual award for the radio documentary drama Bengare.
Other significant accolades include the Bannanje Ramacharya Journalism Award the Inland Journalism Award the Karnataka Media Academy Award the Dr Kota Shivarama Karanth Award and the highly respected Vaddarse Raghurama Shetty Award received in 2025.
A Fitting and Meaningful Choice
The appointment of Chidambara Baikampady as President of the 28th Dakshina Kannada Kannada Sahitya Sammelana is a tribute to a life that has consistently upheld the power of language the responsibility of journalism and the cultural soul of Karnataka.
Under his leadership the Sammelana is expected to stand as a celebration of Kannada intellectual tradition and a reaffirmation of values that guide literature and public life.
