Renowned writer and journalist Shekar Ajekar passes away at 68

Shekar Ajekar, a well-known writer and journalist, passed away due to a cardiac arrest on Tuesday, October 31. Ajekar was highly regarded for his contributions to literature and journalism as well as his active involvement in social service organizations.

Hailing from Ajekar in Karkala, Shekar embarked on his journalism career with the weekly paper Kundaprabha. He later worked for several notable publications, including ‘Karnataka Malla’ in Mumbai, Janavahini, Daijiworld, Kannada Prabha, and Usha Kirana. He served as the Vice-President of the Udupi branch of the Patrakarthara Vedike Bengaluru for a decade.

In addition to his work in journalism, Shekar Ajekar was a prolific author, having penned 22 books. He was instrumental in organizing state-level film festivals in Karnataka.

Throughout his career, Ajekar received numerous accolades for his outstanding contributions. He was honored with the Udupi District Rajyotsava Award, National Basavashree Award in 2018, Amantran Award in 2019, Krishika Bandhu Award in 2019, National Sangolli Rayanna Award, Udupi District Kannada Sahitya Award in 2019, Vishwa Darshan Sahitya Puraskar in 2019, and Tulunada Madhya Siri Award in 2019. He was also recognized with the Akhila Bharath Agni Shikha Manch Award in 1995 for his dedication to journalism.

Shekar Ajekar held a post-graduate degree from Mumbai’s Somayya College of Management and an MA degree from Mumbai University. His passing is a loss to the world of literature and journalism, and he will be remembered for his significant contributions.