Prominent sports personalities, including former Team India cricketer Karuna Jain, former Indian Hockey Captain VR Raghunath, were among the achievers honoured at the event.
Karnataka’s most loved news channel, Zee Kannada News, successfully hosted the Karnataka Idol Awards 2025 to recognise achievers from across various fields, including industry, sports, healthcare, agriculture, cinema, arts, social service, and politics. The grand felicitation ceremony was held at The Lalit Ashok Hotel, Bengaluru, on Wednesday at 6 pm.
Lifetime Achievement Awards:
Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka
DV Sadananda Gowda, former chief minister of Karnataka
Dr Srinath, Veteran Kannada Actor
The award on behalf of the Chief Minister was received by Sri Byrathi Suresh, Minister for Urban Development. Prominent sports personalities, including former Team India cricketer Karuna Jain, former Indian Hockey Captain V.R. Raghunath, and Paralympian silver medalist H.N. Girish, were among the achievers honoured at the event.
The event was graced by eminent personalities such as Sri Jagadguru Vachananda Mahaswamiji of Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Peetha, who delivered the benediction, and Padma Shri awardee & former ISRO Chairman Dr AS Kiran Kumar, who appreciated Zee Kannada News for recognising unsung heroes dedicated to the nation’s growth.
Distinguished guests, including Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Byrathi Suresh, Minister for Urban Development, TB Jayachandra, former Minister and Karnataka Government’s Special Representative at Delhi, as well as film stars Anu Prabhakar, Vinay Rajkumar, Rana, and Advithi Shetty, participated in the celebrations and encouraged the awardees. The ceremony was hosted by Ravi S., Editor, Zee Kannada News.
Guest Remarks
Jagadguru Vachananda Mahaswamiji: “Zee Kannada News is a credible channel working to uphold the nation’s pride by recognising unsung heroes deserving of Padma-level honours. This initiative is truly exemplary.”
Dr Srinath, Veteran Actor: “This recognition reflects the love and trust of the people. Karnataka Idol will inspire thousands of achievers across the state.”
DV Sadananda Gowda, Former CM: “Zee Kannada News is empowering society by responsibly honouring achievers whose contributions have strengthened our community.”
Dr AS Kiran Kumar, Former ISRO Chairman: “When selfless service is acknowledged by society, it becomes both a responsibility and a source of pride.”
Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister for Health: “Recognizing rural talent has further enhanced the value of these awards.”
Byrathi Suresh, Minister for Urban Development: “It is inspiring to see Zee Kannada News honour the Chief Minister with a Lifetime Achievement Award, while continuing its social initiatives.”
TB Jayachandra, former minister: “Introducing achievers from different walks of life to society is a noble effort.”
Actor Vinay Rajkumar: “The awardees recognized here are true achievers. Their recognition will inspire many more.”
Actress Anu Prabhakar: “Congratulations to all achievers. My respect to the Zee Kannada News editorial team for this meaningful initiative.”
Actor Rana said: “Honouring selfless contributors – from farmers to doctors to officials – is an inspiration to all.”
List of Awardees:
1. Dr. M. Muniraju – Vice Chancellor, Sri Krishnadevaraya University
2. Dr. PC Jagadeesh – Health Service
3. TM Mahesh – Educationist & Social Service
4. Krishna B. Mariyanka – Ajira Global Public Relations and Communications
5. Mallikarjun – Rto Employee Union President & Rto Officer
6. J. Krishna Palemar – Ex Minister & Social Service
7. Shanthakumar – Social Service
8. KT Nagaraj – Retired Chief Engineer, Bbmp
9. Lad Foundation – Social Service
10. A-one Steels India Limited – Leading Certified Green Steel Manufacturer
11. Ishwar Manappa Vajjal – Social Service
12. VR Raghunath – Hockey Player
13. Sumaa Mahesh Gowda – Social Service and Numerologist
14. Raghavendra – Nairuthya Properties Pvt. Ltd
15. Umapathy – Sri Mallikarjuna Travels
16. Anil Kumar SS – Chief Executive Officer, Skdrdp Bc Trust
17. Raghavendra Rao Purohit – Astrologer
18. HN Girish – Paralympian
19. Appa Sab Shivappa Kaulagudda – Progressive Farmer
20. C Muniswamy Kappagal – Social Service
21. Jagadish S. – Managing Director, Sg Groups Developers and Promoters
22. Mubarak – Educationist
23. Abhinav Kalmeshwara Maharajaru – Sadguru Aashrama, Belagavi
24. Karuna Jain – former cricketer (Yuvarathna)
25. Antony Sajeeth S. – Social Service
26. Dr Parmesha Siddappa Lingayat – Businessman & Social Service
27. Shivappa N. Devaragudi – Businessman
28. Ramesh Shankar Maali – Architect & Social Service
29. Leelavathi – Panchayath Development Officer
30. DV Sadananda Gowda – Hon’ble Ex Chief Minister of Karnataka – Lifetime Achievement Award
31. Datta Kondiba Sannakki – Social Service
32. Ningaraj Gowdru – Businessman & Pro-Kannada Activist
33. M. Krishnappa Marasuru – Social Service
34. Srikanth Kamble – Psi, Managoli Police Station
35. Srinath – Famous Veteran Actor – Lifetime Achievement Award
36. Pandit DS Joshi – Astrologer & Consultant
37. Naveen Anjanappa – Social Service
38. Shushma Kurubar – Social Service
39. Dr Praveen Kumar Hiremath – Health Service
40. Tyagaraja Swamiji – Social Service
41. Sailaja Yogesh Reddy – Social Service
42. Siddaramaiah – Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka (Lifetime Achievement Award)
About Zee Kannada News:
Zee Kannada News is Karnataka’s trusted news channel with a commitment to society. Through the Karnataka Idol Awards, the channel continues to celebrate individuals whose relentless efforts contribute to the progress and pride of the state.
