Social worker Deepak selected for Mangaluru Press Club annual award

Mangaluru: Deepak G, a social worker from Belthangady, has been selected for the Mangaluru Press Club Annual Award for 2025-26.

The selection was made by a committee headed by Mangaluru Press Club president PB Harish Rai. The award, which carries a cash prize, will be presented during the Press Club Day celebrations on May 24 at Red Cross Centennial Hall in Mangaluru, general secretary Ibrahim Adkasthala said.

Deepak works as a bus driver at the Sanidhya Skill Training Centre and also runs a small business. Despite limited means, he has devoted his life to social service.

He founded the Rajakesari Service Trust in 2012 by bringing together local youths committed to helping the needy. The trust has grown into a district-level organisation with over 400 members, many of whom are daily-wage workers.

Under his leadership, the trust has completed over 600 service projects, including building free houses for 34 homeless families, distributing 21 sewing machines, providing 38 wheelchairs, organising mass marriages for 12 couples and supporting govt schools. During the pandemic, the team also performed the final rites of 85 deceased persons.