Pundalik K. Badiger,photojournalist hailing from Belagavi,snagged the esteemed Karnataka Chhaya Ratna Award. His work hits the big stage Friday at national photo exhibition in Tripura Vasini, Palace Grounds,Bengaluru.
With 25+ years behind the lens,Badiger's captured North Karnataka's soul. From Saundatti,Belagavi district, he began painting shop nameplates as junior artist. His path shifted to cartooning, landing him at Nadoja newspaper . Then photography called. He joined Samyukta Karnataka daily, launching a notable career.
Badiger's chronicled big events — Kannada-Marathi agitations, linguistic minority struggles . His work spans politics,elections, cultural festivals, daily life. Photos of 2005 and 2009 North Karnataka floods got national,international buzz.
Besides social issues,Badiger's eye turned to wildlife,landscapes near Belagavi . His skill's earned him many awards: District Rajyotsava, Baburao Thakur Best Photographer. Exhibitions at Chitrakala Parishat in Bengaluru,also in Dharwad,Belagavi. Where does he go next…?
