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| Na. Karantha Peraje was conferred the prestigious Be. Su. Na. Mallya Award |
For readers across coastal Karnataka, Na. Karantha Peraje is a familiar and respected name. For decades, he has quietly pursued journalism that goes beyond headlines, focusing instead on people, communities, agriculture, environment and culture. His work has consistently reflected a deep commitment to documenting grassroots realities and preserving local knowledge.
Peraje is widely known through his long association with Adike Patrike, the acclaimed farmer-centric monthly magazine published from Puttur. As a key member of its editorial team, he played an important role in shaping a unique model of “farmer journalism,” where farmers themselves became storytellers, sharing innovations, challenges and solutions from the field. This approach helped bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and practical farming experience, earning the magazine recognition far beyond Karnataka.
A journalist by profession and a farmer at heart, Peraje has spent years highlighting issues related to sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation and rural livelihoods. His writing is marked by clarity, credibility and a deep understanding of the lives of ordinary people. Through numerous articles, reports and field-based studies, he has contributed significantly to public discourse on agriculture and rural development.
Beyond journalism, Peraje has made notable contributions to the study and promotion of Yakshagana, the traditional theatre art of coastal Karnataka. A respected Yakshagana scholar and speaker, he has presented research papers and delivered lectures on various aspects of the art form, helping preserve and interpret its rich literary and cultural heritage for contemporary audiences.
His interests span literature, culture, environment and social development. Whether writing about a farmer's innovation, a disappearing tradition, a community initiative or a cultural icon, Peraje has consistently demonstrated the ability to connect local stories with larger societal concerns.
Those who have worked with him describe him as a meticulous researcher, thoughtful editor and committed public intellectual. His journalism has never been driven by sensation; instead, it has focused on informing, educating and empowering readers.
The conferment of the Be. Su. Na. Mallya Award is a recognition not only of an individual's achievements but also of a style of journalism rooted in public service, cultural sensitivity and social responsibility. It honours a journalist who has spent a lifetime documenting the stories that often remain outside the spotlight but are vital to understanding Karnataka's society and heritage.
As Karnataka celebrates Na. Karantha Peraje's achievement, the award stands as a tribute to a journalist whose work continues to inspire readers, writers and cultural enthusiasts across generations.
Keywords:
Na Karantha Peraje, Naa Karantha Peraje, Adike Patrike, Be Su Na Mallya Award, VSK Media Awards 2026, Kannada journalist, Yakshagana scholar, environmental writer.
