For the immense contribution in the field of journalism, six veteran photojournalists with more than three to four decades of were felicitated by the CMR University and the CMR Group of Institutions on September 29, Monday here at CMR Law School.

The stalwarts in photojournalism were honoured with the plaque for their outstanding contribution to the print media in Karnataka. P Sarangapani, T Abdul Hafeez, D Baburaj, TL Prabhakar, P Samson Victor and K Gopinathan were the retired photojournalists who were felicitated by KC Ramamurthy, Chairman, CMR Group of Institutions, HR Ranganath, Editor Public TV & Dr Sabitha Ramamurthy, President, Jnanadhara Trust, and Chancellor, CMR University.

Addressing the gathering, HR Ranganath, Managing Director  & Editor of Public TV, the chief guest of the programme, said, “In the late 1980’s the photojournalism spearheaded the change from the traditional form of journalism, with a new breed of photojournalists. In Karnataka, print journalism took to a social phase, where stories were told with some brilliant images that were captured by the photojournalists. Journalism is a matter of great concern in democracy.”

KC Ramamurthy, Retd. IPS, and Chairman, CMR GoI, said, “Having known the veteran journalists personally over a period of time, the felicitation was a humble gesture for the service rendered by them to the society. During my days of tenure as a police official, the photojournalists have been extremely liberal and cooperative and throughout my tenure have been a great source of strength showering me with love and affection.”

Samson Victor, former Chief photo editor Deccan Herald and Prajavani, said, “I am thankful for the felicitation and appreciation by the CMR GoI and CMR University. Retired IPS officer Ramamurthy is a dear friend and this gesture of felicitation has deeply touched us.”

Addressing the students, K Gopinathan, former photo editor, The Hindu, said, “Journalism is an adventurous career and is all about doing things differently. Photographs that are off beat and exclusive reveal the caliber of a journalist. Looking at regular assignments from a different exclusive perspective is important for a journalist. Enjoying regular assignments with the same vigour as exclusive ones makes a professional photojournalist. There is no happiness greater than seeing a photograph taken by a photojournalist being published in a newspaper ”

P Sarangapani, with over three decades of experience has formerly worked with Indian Express, Times of India, and Economic Times. T Abdul Hafeez, with nearly fifty years of experience has worked with The Hindu, Sportstar, Frontline, The Indian Express, The Statesman and The Illustrated Weekly and  Samyukta Karnataka.   D Baburaj is associated with Sanjevani for 35 years. TL Prabhakar, former founder president of Photo Journalists Association of Bangalore with over four decades of experience retired as chief photographer of The Hindu . P Samson Victor is the former photo editor of Deccan Herald and Prajavani and K Gopinathan, former photo editor, The Hindu respectively for more than three decades.

KR Jayadeep, CEO, CMR GoI and Shreya Jayadeep, Director, Finance& HR CMRGoI, and Dr Anand K Joshi, Vice Chancellor, CMR University, were also present on the occasion.