Mangaluru: The enthusiasm of readers participating in competitions organized by ‘Udayavani’ and its sister organizations, their eagerness for results and prize distribution, and their words of satisfaction after winning prizes evoke a sense of fulfillment, said Dr. Sandhya S. Pai, Managing Editor of Taranga magazine.

She was speaking on Tuesday during the prize distribution ceremony for the winners of the Udayavani Deepavali Dhamaka 2024 competition, held at the S.L. Shet Diamond House, Ladyhill, Mangaluru.

Dr. Pai noted, “The active participation of readers, especially homemakers, is remarkable. After sending answers to the questions related to articles, stories, and poems published in the special Deepavali edition, they eagerly await the results like a mother awaiting her child. This connection reflects their bond with Udayavani.”

Ravindra Shet, the owner of S.L. Shet Diamond House, said, “Our association with Udayavani is deep-rooted and will continue. The trust and love of customers have helped the business grow. We have opened a branch at Mangaluru International Airport and plan to expand further.”

Continuity of the Reading Movement

Aravinda Navada, Editor of the Udayavani Manipal and Mumbai editions, said, “Udayavani continues its reading movement by introducing innovative initiatives. Competitions like these strengthen our bond with readers. Reading helps us understand the world and offers a path to comprehension. Our collective responsibility is to involve the younger generation in this movement.”

Double the Festivity

Ramachandra Mijar, Vice President of Special Initiatives, Udayavani Magazine Division, remarked, “The Deepavali Dhamaka doubles the festivity for readers. It has gained affection across all age groups and regions, which is a matter of pride.”

S.L. Shet Diamond House partners Sharath Shet, Deepti Sharath Shet, Prasanna Shet, Prasad Shet, and Divya Prasad Shet attended the event. Satish Manjeshwar, Udayavani’s Mangaluru Regional Manager, read out the details of the winners. Chief Reporter Venuvinod K.S. welcomed the gathering, and Senior Reporter Dinesh Ira hosted the program.

Deepavali Dhamaka Winners

Bumper Prize: M. Suresh Pai, Hosabettu, Manjeshwar

First Prize: G.H. Rayappa, Kavoor, Mangaluru and Manjunath Udupa, Govinda Nagar, Bengaluru

Second Prize: Varada Kumari Chitterimane, Moodabidri; Adarsha Hebbar, Kundapur; and Padmini Hanamanasang Hadari, Mudgal, Lingsugur

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

Consolation Prizes:

Krishnaprasad Ballal, Ambalpadi, Udupi; Shashikala L. Bhat, Mumbai; Sneha Joy, Manipal; Lata N. Moli, Mulki; Basavaraj Amarappa Kalapbandi, Gadag; Reshma Pushparaj, Bondel, Mangaluru; Shankar H. Muthalik Desai, Dharwad; Todikana Abdullah, Bantwal; R. Lakshmikant Vamshi, Tumakuru; Veena K. Darbe, Puttur; Vijayendra Kulkarni, Kalaburagi; Deepti K. Kolambala, Bellare; Maitri Suhas, Mysuru; Akshata Andinje, Belthangady; Veeresh Shivamogappa Banajiga, Haveri; Santosh Poojary, Nitte, Karkala; Shrigowri H.R., Kolar; Ashwitha K. Alankaru, Kadaba; Udaychandra L, Dindwara, Hubballi; and Parvathi Ramanath Kothari, Kundapur

Winners Speak:

“Udayavani and S.L. Shet have been part of my life since childhood. I was born the same year Udayavani started, and this connection continues even today. Over the years, I’ve won several prizes. Winning the Deepavali Dhamaka bumper prize is a delightful experience.” – M. Suresh Pai, Hosabettu, Manjeshwar

“Being recognized as a writer began with my name appearing in Rupathara. My bond with Udayavani has grown ever since. Taranga and Rupathara have contributed immensely to my writing journey.” – Todikana Abdullah, Bantwal (Consolation Prize Winner)

“I have been participating in the Udayavani Deepavali Dhamaka for 18 years. My daily habit of reading Udayavani continues. The Deepavali special edition improves year after year, and winning a prize is a dream come true.” – Manjunath Udupa, Govinda Nagar, Bengaluru (First Prize Winner)

“We read Udayavani daily, including the special editions. This year, I read all the stories and poems and decided to participate in the quiz competition. Winning a prize in my first attempt is thrilling.” – Sharada K. Shetty, Udupi (Third Prize Winner)