Mysore/Mysuru: Rich tributes were paid to senior Press Photographer of the city Netra Raju who passed away recently, at a online condolence meeting organised under the aegis of Mysuru District Journalists’ Association (MDJA) here on Monday.

Speaking at the Google Meet platform, Karnataka Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) President Shivananda Tagadur recalled the excellent photographs that Netra Raju had clicked as a Press Photographer.

Noting that the MDJA should bring out a book on Netra Raju and also organise programmes in his memory every year, he assured that KUWJ will extend all help for it. 

Shivananda Tagadur further said that Mysuru Media has become poorer with Raju’s demise and it is unfortunate that many media persons across the State had died of COVID.

Senior Journalist Krishna Prasad recalled his over 3-decade old association with Netra Raju. Asserting that Raju had great concerns for budding photographers, he said that Raju never hesitated to give some useful tips to his juniors. 

Another Senior Journalist Ravindra Bhat said that Raju’s photographs were simply exceptional. Recalling his years of association with Raju, he welcomed the idea of publishing a book on the late photographer. He further said that the book must contain all his outstanding photographs, as this will give valuable ideas for budding photographers.

Veteran Journalist M.B. Maramkal said that Netra Raju was an outstanding personality with good and humble qualities. Recalling that he and Netra Raju worked together for a media house for 24 years, he said that it is regretful to note that some persons misused his (Raju) reputation for their selfish ends.

Journalist Subash Hoogar said that Netra Raju’s photographs are the best examples on how a single photograph can explain a thing when more than a hundred words are required to describe it.

MDJA President S.T. Ravikumar said it is unfortunate that Mysuru has lost a very good Press Photographer in Netra Raju, who earned name and fame both nationally and internationally through his photographic skills. His demise is a great loss to Media and his sudden demise is all the more shocking, he added.