Guruvappa NT Balepuni: The Voice of the Voiceless Falls Silent

Mangaluru, Jan 27, 2024: A journalist who gave a voice to the voiceless, championed grassroots issues, and inspired change through his writing, Guruvappa NT Balepuni, a senior journalist and special correspondent with Hosa Digantha, passed away on Sunday at his residence in Balepuni after a brief illness. He was 62.

Balepuni leaves behind a legacy that spans 39 years of dedicated service to journalism. He is survived by his wife and son, who, along with the media fraternity, are mourning the loss of a journalist who was as much a mentor as a storyteller.

A Journey Rooted in Service and Storytelling

Born on June 1, 1963, Guruvappa NT Balepuni began his career in journalism in September 1986. From humble beginnings in local weekly publications like Amrutha, Chetana, The Gold, and Sapthasara, he honed his skills as a storyteller with a deep sense of empathy for marginalized communities. For six years, he worked tirelessly in these weeklies, building his reputation as a journalist with a unique knack for uncovering human stories.

Later, he joined the Canara Times group, where he contributed to Karavali Ale, Kannada Jana Antharanga, and Canara Times. He also served as a special correspondent for the evening daily Mangaluru Mitra and the prestigious Samyukta Karnataka. His association with Hosa Digantha began on June 1, 1998, and it was here that he spent the most significant part of his career, transitioning to the role of special correspondent in 2021.

Balepuni’s ability to maintain good relationships extended beyond senior officials and political leaders. He was known for his humility and maintained a warm rapport even with the most junior reporters who had just entered the field of journalism.

Introducing ‘Akshara Santa’ to the World

Balepuni will be forever remembered for introducing Harekal Hajabba, the “Akshara Santa” (Saint of Literacy), to the world. In 2004, his report, titled ‘ಕಿತ್ತಳೆ ಬುಟ್ಟಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅರಳಿದ ಅಕ್ಷರ ಕನಸು’ (The Dream of Literacy Blossoming in an Orange Basket) was published in Hosa Digantha and became a landmark piece of journalism. It narrated the inspiring story of Hajabba, an unlettered fruit seller who built a school in his village, bringing education to generations of children.

Balepuni’s ability to see extraordinary potential in ordinary lives resonated deeply with readers. His writing not only brought recognition to Hajabba but also catalyzed societal change.

A Champion of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj

Balepuni’s journalistic passion extended to rural development and governance. He believed in highlighting the positive impacts of grassroots initiatives and shedding light on governance at the panchayat level. His depth of understanding and analysis on panchayat raj issues made his writings an invaluable resource for policymakers and community leaders alike.

A Decorated Career

Balepuni’s unwavering commitment to journalism earned him numerous accolades:

• In 2004, he received the Padyaana Gopalakrishna Memorial Award for excellence in rural reporting.
• He was the only journalist to bring the Sarojini Naidu Award to Kannada journalism for his work on women and Panchayat Raj, a recognition bestowed by the Hunger Project at the national level.
• He was honored with the Kantavara Puraskara in 2012 by the Kantavara Kannada Sangha.
• The Dakshina Kannada district awarded him the Rajyotsava Award in 2013.
• In 2021, he received the prestigious Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Award from the Karnataka government.
• Other honors include the Besu Na Mallya Journalism Award and the Karnataka Media Academy Award.

An Investigative Journalist and Storyteller

Balepuni was not just a storyteller; he was a relentless investigator. His notable investigative stories include the Udupi land scam, the escape of Bhaskaran Nair from jail, and reports exposing irregularities in tribal welfare programs in Dakshina Kannada.

His human-interest stories were equally compelling, shedding light on lives that often go unnoticed. These included success stories like those of Koraga girl Surekha, Suji from Kaukraadi, and Munguli Koraga from Miyaru. He also celebrated unsung heroes like Kusappa from Ilanthila and BK Devarao from Bangadi Killur, whose accomplishments were documented in his book on rural achievers.

Balepuni had recently completed a book titled Dodavaru: Ivaru Sanmanyaragu, which profiled 10 rural achievers, including Harekal Hajabba and Kusappa. Tragically, the book was set to be released in a few weeks but remains unpublished following his demise.

A Pillar of the Media Fraternity

Beyond his reporting, Balepuni was a guiding force in the journalist community. He served as the General Secretary of the Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists’ Association and the Mangaluru Press Club, where his leadership and mentorship left a lasting impact.

Unyielding Dedication Despite Health Challenges

In recent years, Balepuni battled health issues but remained unwavering in his commitment to journalism. Even as his body weakened, his mind was firmly rooted in his work. “I have content ready for a special report,” he told colleagues before heading to the hospital, where he eventually succumbed. His tenacity in the face of adversity exemplified his professionalism and passion for storytelling.

A Void That Cannot Be Filled

As news of his demise spread, tributes poured in from all quarters. His contributions to journalism and his dedication to bringing marginalized stories to the forefront have left an indelible mark on the field.

Guruvappa NT Balepuni’s life was a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. He believed in the ability of words to inspire, challenge, and heal. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of journalists to serve with integrity and empathy.

The loss of Guruvappa NT Balepuni is not just a loss to the media fraternity but to society at large. His voice may have fallen silent, but his stories will resonate forever.