Koti hailed from a humble background

Mysuru: Rajashekar Koti, a native of Huyilagol in Gadag district, was born in an agricultural family. After completing his education at Gadag, he began his career in journalism as a reporter of ‘Vishwavani’ newspaper, run by senior journalist Patil Puttappa and published from Dharwad. Later he worked as a Sub-Editor of ‘Prapancha’ newspaper for nine years. Influenced by socialist leaders, Koti became an active member of Samajawadi Yojan Sabha, following which he came to Mysuru much against the wishes of his family members and started his own newspaper ‘Andolana’ in 1972. After his arrival in Mysuru, Koti was helped by Nelamane Devegowda, Devanoor Mahadeva, P. Lankesh and Kuvempu’s son Poornachandra Tejaswi. Koti had to stop publication of the newspaper during Emergency in 1975. However, the publication resumed after some time. Having served as President of Mysuru District Journalists Association (MDJA) for two terms and as a Member of Karnataka Media Academy for four terms, Koti was also a Member of Mysore Agenda Task Force. A Rajyotsava awardee, he has won many awards including Karnataka Media Academy award, H.K. Veeranna Gowda Journalism Award, Murughashri Award, Janamitra Award and TSR Award. Koti has instituted an annual award at Karnataka Media Academy for the Best District-level newspaper. Apart from this, Koti instituted ‘Andolana Cup’ hockey tournament in memory of legendary Hockey player Dhyanchand.