Social worker and Rajakesari Trust founder Deepak G. of Belthangady received the Mangaluru Press Club award at the annual Mangaluru Press Club Day programme in Mangaluru on Sunday.

MLC Ivan D’Souza and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) H.N. Mithun presented the award.

Mangaluru Press Club president P.B. Harish Rai said the award recognises Mr. Deepak’s work through the trust, which has built 34 houses for the needy, donated sewing machines to women, organised blood donation camps, and carried out several other social initiatives. He added that Mr. Deepak, a school bus driver, has pooled his own funds along with contributions from autorickshaw drivers and other workers for the trust’s activities.

Speaking at the function, Mr. D’Souza lauded the work of journalists in maintaining an atmosphere congenial for development of the region. Mr. Mithun appreciated journalists for maintaining objectivity and not sensationalising while reporting on crime and other developments. Recognising work of people like Mr.Deepak at an early stage and giving them award will encourage more people to involve in philanthropic activities, Mr. Mithun said.

Journalists Raymod Dcunha, Balasubrahmanya Kayara, Y Ramanna, Harsha and R.M Rajendran were honoured. Children of journalists, who have secured good marks in SSLC and II PU examinations, were felicitated.