Sandhya Pai is a prominent figure in Kannada journalism and literature. Having earned her reputation as an editor for four magazines under the Manipal Media Network, she has been instrumental in shaping the media landscape in Karnataka. Her work includes the well-known weekly publication, ‘Tharanga,’ which boasts the highest circulation among Kannada weekly newspapers. Apart from that, she also manages three other newspapers, namely ‘Tushara,’ a monthly magazine, ‘Rooptara,’ a monthly magazine focused on Kannada films, and ‘Tunturu,’ a children’s fortnightly.
Sandhya Pai is not just an accomplished journalist but also an author with several books to her credit. Her writings cover a wide array of topics, ranging from rationality, scientific outlook, and new ideas, evident in her thought-provoking articles published in ‘Tharanga’ magazine under the title ‘Dear Reader.’ She has also penned articles on profound subjects like ‘Upanishads,’ ‘Bhagavad Gita,’ ‘Yoga,’ ‘Tantra,’ and ‘Jen’ from Vedanta.
Beyond her journalistic and literary endeavors, Sandhya Pai is recognized for her notable contributions to social welfare. Her involvement as the president of Manipal Mahila Samaj showcases her commitment to the welfare of women in society.
Her talents are not limited to the written word alone, as she has also made significant strides in the world of television. Having written and directed approximately 252 episodes of the television series ‘Chandram,’ which aired on E-TV, she has left a mark in the realm of visual storytelling. Another of her serials, ‘Guptagamini,’ has received recognition with eight prestigious awards.
Throughout her illustrious career, Sandhya Pai has been honored with various accolades and awards. These include the ‘Atthimabbe Award’ for Outstanding Achievement in Journalism, the ‘Person of the Year 2003’ for her remarkable contributions to her field, and the ‘Sadhana Prasana’ in 2005, bestowed upon her by Bhattarik Charukirthi Swamiji of Sravanabelagola. In 2006, her outstanding services in journalism were acknowledged, and in 2007, she was honored with the ‘Sri Mataprasasthi’ award by Sri Ramachandra Math, Newnagar. The year 2013 witnessed her receiving an ‘Honorary Doctorate Degree’ in recognition of her exceptional service to journalism at the fourth convocation of Karnataka State Women’s University, held on Sunday, March 3, 2013, at Gulbarganagar. In 2015, she was awarded the esteemed ‘National Kannada Ratna Award’ by the Chembur Karnataka Association in Mumbai, and she also received recognition from the ‘Aryabhatta Cultural Institute.’
Sandhya Pai’s multifaceted accomplishments in journalism, literature, television, and social work have made her a highly respected and celebrated figure in Karnataka and beyond. Her dedication to her craft and her commitment to the welfare of society have rightfully earned her the admiration and recognition she enjoys today.
