Surendra Dani is a renowned name in the field of journalism. Many of today’s prominent editors and writers in Kannada journalism are disciples of Dani. He was the prime editor for both Hubballi and Bengaluru editions of the then popoular newspaper ‘Samyukta Karnataka’. In addition, he had special interest in Kumaravyasa’s works and was expert in the recitation and explanation of Mahabharata-kavya. Surendra Dani received several honors which includes the prestigious TSR Journalism Award, Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, Karnataka Press Academy Award, Khadri Shamanna Award, H.R. Kulkarni Memorial Journalism Award, Jagannath Rao Tankasali Memorial Journalism Award, and Karnataka Gamaka Kala Parishath’s Gamaka Vyakhyana Award.
Biography
Surendra Dani was born on August 17, 1925, in Dharwad. His father was Bhimrao and his mother Gangabai. His initial education took place in Dharwad, Bagalkote, and Bijapur. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Kannada and Economics from Karnataka University, Dharwad. Surendra Dani had a strong aversion to working under British colonial rule. He entered the field of journalism through a job introduced to him by Shri Mohare Hanumant Raya and was inspired by Gandhi’s ‘Harijan’ newspaper.
In 1947, he was appointed as a reporter for the ‘Samyukta Karnataka’ daily in Hubli. He later became a sub-editor and was transferred when the Bengaluru edition of ‘Samyukta Karnataka’ started. There, he served as an editorial writer and the editor of the weekly section, before returning to Hubballi as the main-editor. He eventually took on the responsibility of being the editor for both the Hubli and Bengaluru editions, retiring in 1983.
Even after retirement, Surendra Dani couldn’t stay idle. He continued to take on various responsibilities such as the editor of the ‘Kesari Garjane’ daily from Kalaburagi, the ‘Khadi Jagattu’ newspaper in Hubballi, the ‘Parivara’ bi-monthly magazine, and the ‘Surajya Patha’ fortnightly paper. He also edited numerous commemorative editions related to the field of journalism.
Amidst his journalistic responsibilities, Surendra Dani engaged in the creation of literary works. He authored biographies such as those of Kaujalgai Hanumant Raya, Mohare Hanumant Raya, and Joseph Pulitzer (translated into Kannada). His essays included a collection titled ‘Journalistic Essays.’ Other notable works include ‘Memories of Volunteers,’ ‘Freedom Fighter,’ ‘Achievements and Challenges,’ ‘Dharwad District Freedom Struggle,’ ‘Vyasasrushti – Kumaravyasa’s Vision,’ among others.
Surendra Dani was actively involved in various capacities such as the secretary of the Mohare Hanumantharao Memorial Foundation, honorary secretary of the Kumaravyasa Seva Sangh in Hubli, founding president of the Gandhi Vichara Vedike, and organizer of Gamaka music festivals. He passed away on March 28, 2010.