Beltangady: Vittala Malekudiya, state co-convener of the coordination committee for the protection of rights of the tribals, has been chosen to receive the Maanava Dharmapeetha Sadhbhaavana Award for 2015.
The annual award, instituted by Nidumamidi Mahasamsthana in Bengaluru, is given to those involved in working for a better society, in recognition of their contribution to the society.
Vittala has been in the forefront of several agitations for the rights of the original settlers of the land. He raised his voice against the exploitation of the tribals like the Malekudiyas in the district, ever since his student days while pursuing postgraduate studies in Journalism at Mangaluru University.
He had fought against the alleged excesses by the Anti-Naxal Force against the tribals. He paid a heavy price by getting booked on charges of Naxal connections in March 2012. After his release, he continued his fight for the tribal rights.
When a land-holder got a hand of Sundara Malekudiya severed for a petty reason, Vittala mobilized public opinion against the outrage. He has been serving as an office-bearer of many organizations including DYFI.
In consideration of his efforts for the better of the society, the Maanava Dharmapeetha has chosen him as a deserving person to receive the award.
Vittala Malekudiya archives:
- Beltangady: Battle of Ballot – Vittala Malekudiya Jumps into Gram Panchayat Poll Fray
- Mangalore: Justice Finally Served, Activist Vittala Released on Bail
- Beltangady: Vittala Malekudiya Granted Bail after HC Directive
- Mangalore: Delegation to Meet CM for Vittala’s Release
- Mangalore: Thinker G K Govinda Rao Takes up Vittala Malekudiya’s Case
- New Delhi: Palakkad MP M B Rajesh Raises Vittala Malekudiya Issue in Lok Sabha
- Mangalore: ‘Vittala Malekudiya’s Arrest Amounts to Violation of Human Rights’ – Kerala MP
- Mangalore: Mother of Arrested Student Narrates Tale of Terror and Tears
- Mangalore: Harassment to Student on Alleged Naxal Nexus Resented
