Karnataka Chief Minister’s Media Advisor K.V. Prabhakar, felicitated at the “Prabhabhinandanam” programme organised by the Karnataka Working Journalists’ Association at Gandhi Bhavan, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the journalist community and dedicated the honour to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, describing him as the “banyan tree of socialism.”
Tracing his journey, Prabhakar recalled his modest background in a lower-middle-class family and said professionalism and loyalty to duty had guided him throughout. He left journalism in 2013 to work with Siddaramaiah, a decision that demanded long hours, sleepless nights, and frequent travel. “There were times when lack of family time shook my confidence, but the Chief Minister’s tireless 16–18-hour workdays inspired me to persist,” he said.
Prabhakar credited former Media Advisor Dinesh Amin Mattu for strengthening his confidence and perspective. He also lauded KUWJ President Shivanand Tagadoor for consistently raising journalists’ issues and acknowledged the cooperation of senior officials such as Information Commissioner Hemant Nimbalkar and Secretary Kaveri, who helped overcome administrative hurdles. Their combined efforts, he noted, led to key benefits for journalists, including free bus passes, the Arogya Sanjeevini health scheme, and higher pensions.
He said the honour places greater responsibility on him and reaffirmed his resolve to ensure journalists never need to protest for their rights. “My office at Vidhana Soudha is always open,” he assured.
The event was presided over by senior journalist G.N. Mohan, with KUWJ leaders present.