V U George conferred Karnataka Media Academy Award

November 30, 2011

Mangalore, November 30: V U George, the editor and publisher of 'Mangalore Today', a city based monthly magazine, has been honoured with the State sponsored 'Karnataka Media Academy Award' for the year 2010 along with 19 other media personalities.

Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda presented the award to Mr George on Tuesday at at Jnana Jyothi Hall in Bangalore. The award comprises Rs 10,000 cash prize and a citation.

After receiving the award, Mr George thanked the Academy and selection committee. “I want to share this recognition with our entire 'Mangalore Today' team, both past and present who have been a part of the journey”, he said.

He was recognized for his pioneering effort in bringing out 'Mangalore Today', the city's first local English monthly magazine and running it for the last 15 years facing immense struggles and hardships in maintaining the long term viability of the venture.

George started Mangalore Today in 1996 with a small team of young and enthusiastic journalists and the first issue was launched at Hotel Moti Mahal on December 17 of that year. In 2005, the magazine hosted the 'Mangalore Today Conclave' to commemorate its 10th year and subsequently the event has been organized three more times. In 2009, the magazine also launched its web edition.

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International Airport in Udupi, Metro to Mangaluru…: Pontiffs present comprehensive Udupi development plan to PM

News Network

November 30,2025

Udupi: The pontiffs of Sri Paryaya Puttige Mutt, the sacred seat of Jagadguru Shrimad Madhvacharya Moola Samsthanam, have submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister seeking comprehensive development for Udupi district.

Proposal for International Airport

A key request is the establishment of an international airport. Highlighting that around 1,000 acres of land are available and suitable, the pontiffs noted that the existing Mangalore Airport provides limited international connectivity. They suggested the airport be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) or as a Greenfield Airport to boost trade, education, healthcare, and spiritual tourism.

Metro and Rapid Transit Connectivity

The proposal also calls for Metro Rail or Rapid Transit between Mangaluru and Udupi. The 55 km coastal stretch experiences heavy daily commuter traffic, causing congestion. The district administration is ready to prepare an initial project report for a Mass Rapid Transit corridor and requested inclusion under national urban mobility programmes to ensure safe, green, and time-efficient regional transport.

Port and Coastal Development

The pontiffs urged the development of an international-standard port with a cruise terminal along Udupi’s coast. They also requested fast-tracking of pending coastal tourism projects and revising Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms to encourage sustainable infrastructure and hospitality investment.

IT, AI and Technological Infrastructure

Support was sought for an IT and AI Innovation Park with incubation facilities under Digital India and Startup India initiatives. The proposal also emphasized the need for strengthened data security and cloud computing infrastructure to boost India’s technological independence.

Sports and Education Initiatives

The pontiffs requested national sports status for Kambala, along with financial and infrastructure support. They also sought the establishment of an AIIMS in Udupi, a new IIT campus, and approval for an IIM to promote higher education in the district.

Representation to the Prime Minister

Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Pontiff and Sri Sushrendra Tirtha Swamiji represented the pontiffs in submitting the comprehensive development proposal to the Prime Minister during his recent visit.

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