Mangalore : N. T. Balepuni, the senior reporter of Hosa Digantha was conferred with the prestigious Sarojini Naidu Award for his report on the subjects of women and Panchayat Raj at a ceremony organized by Hunger Project at Habitat Centre on October 2, Sunday.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh, said today the people are very least bothered about public hygiene.

Apart from Balepuni, English reporter Adithi Bhadhuri and Hindi reporter Narjeesh Hussain also received awards on the occasion. Each award consist cheque for Rs. 2 lakh and a memento.

Mallika Sarabai conferred the Sarojini Naidu Award on Balepuni.