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Nagarika (ನಾಗರಿಕ) is a Kannada-language weekly newspaper [1] [2] [3] founded in 1947 [4]. Renowned for its independence, closeness to the people, and minimal advertising, the newspaper primarily focuses on news from Uttara Kannada district and Honnavar taluk, along with broader coverage of Karnataka and Indian affairs. Over its long history, Nagarika has maintained a strong commitment to transparency, journalistic integrity, and literary promotion.

History

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Founding and Early Years

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Nagarika was initially established in 1947 in Kumta by a group of collaborators, including Ma Ga Shetty, Hanumant Rao Manjarekar, Gourish Kaikini, and M. G. Shetty. Subsequently, S. K. Pai, a renowned advocate and journalist based in Karwar, continued the newspaper’s publication. From 1964, G. R. Pandeshwar [5] took charge and ran Nagarika until 1984. Following his death, Professor G. V. Hegde, with support from his wife Meera Hegde, operated the paper until 1987. That year, Krishnamurti Hebbar [3] became the editor-in-chief, a role he has held for more than 38 years[4].

Developmental Focus

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During the 1950s and 1960s, in the wake of India’s independence [6], Nagarika predominantly engaged in developmental journalism. The paper highlighted various challenges facing a growing nation while championing evolving Kannada literature. Throughout its history, Nagarika’s guiding principle has been “Being local, think global”—adapting global ideas to local needs. This approach was particularly significant before the advent of the internet, when staying informed about global trends required extensive effort.

Transition to Digital

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Originally printed with letterpress printing method, Nagarika began digital printing in 2003, making it one of the first newspapers in Uttara Kannada—and possibly in Karnataka—to adopt digitization. Before this change, the publication was produced entirely in-house by 16 employees at “ರೇಖಾ ಪ್ರಿಂಟರ್ಸ”(Rekha Printers) named after Krishnamurti Hebbar’s wife, Rekha Hebbar. The press was later renamed “ದೀನಬಂದು ಪ್ರೆಸ್” (Deenabandu Press)[3], meaning “friend of the poor press.” It operated under this name until 2017, after which printing was outsourced.

Editorial Approach and Content

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Main Features

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Notable Columns

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Concern for Life and Literature

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The main aspect of Nagarika is its deep concern for human life and life in general, including the well-being of other animals. Through its editorials and features, the newspaper strives to promote empathy [8], social responsibility [9] [10] , and literary enrichment [11] [12] [13] . It has often served as a learning ground for young writers, college students, established authors, and senior citizens alike.

Minimal Advertisements

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Nagarika features very few advertisements and strictly avoids native advertising. Special festival issues (Deepavali, Independence Day, Ugadi) may contain small advertisements, but otherwise, the newspaper seeks to preserve transparency and maintain editorial integrity.

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Awards and Recognition

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Krishnamurti Hebbar has received numerous accolades, including:

The layout design and editorial process are actively supported by his wife, Rekha Hebbar, who has been integral in shaping the newspaper’s presentation and content.

Slogans

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Nagarika is known for its thought-provoking slogans that reflect its core values:

Nagarika stands as a venerable Kannada weekly newspaper with a history spanning over 75 years. Throughout its journey, it has retained a deep commitment to honest reporting, minimal advertising, literary development, and a global perspective rooted in local realities.

References

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  1. ^ "Nagarika(ನಾಗರಿಕ)". Nagarika(ನಾಗರಿಕ). Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  2. ^ "LIST OF REGISTERED NEWSPAPERS" (PDF). Press Registrar General of India. January 20, 2020. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c "Nagarika Weekly, Patrike.in, the world of Indian Periodicals". patrike.in. January 20, 2020. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c "Krishnamurthy Hebbar gets Pandeshwar Award". THE HINDU. October 30, 2015. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  5. ^ "ಜಿ.ಆರ್.ಪಾಂಡೇಶ್ವರ" (in Kannada).
  6. ^ "G.R. Pandeshwar runs the periodical "Nagarika" after independence".
  7. ^ "ಜಿಲ್ಲಾ ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯ ಪರಿಷತ್ತು ಸದಸ್ಯರಿಗೆ ಕೃಷ್ಣಮೂರ್ತಿ ಹೆಬ್ಬಾರ್ ವಿನಂತಿ". 20 April 2021.
  8. ^ "Importance of journalism in trying times".
  9. ^ "'World gripped by darkness of an emotionless life'".
  10. ^ "Kanmane Reading Festival(ಕಾನ್ಮನೆ ಓದಿನ ಹಬ್ಬ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮ)"".
  11. ^ "'Baduku Bavane Nooru Taraha' and 'Kadu Medu' Book Release".
  12. ^ "Literary Promotion".
  13. ^ "ಪ್ರವಾಸಾನುಭಗಳ ಪುಸ್ತಕ Book Release".