Veteran journalist K.V. Srinivasan, fondly addressed as “brother” in journalistic circles in Mysuru, passed away at his native Kalkunike village in Hunsur taluk on Friday evening. He was 81 and had been ailing for some time owing to age-related issues.

He had been hospitalised on several occasions in Mysuru.

A committed Gandhian known for his simplicity, Mr. Srinivasan mentored several young journalists during his active years. He contributed news from the Mysuru region to Akashvani for many years. With a journalism career spanning over four decades, he worked with several newspapers before serving as a news contributor to Akashvani from 1986 to 2007.

After his retirement, Srinivasan had moved to his native village and was living with relatives.

He was the founder-editor of Navadwani, a Kannada weekly launched in Mysuru in 1976. Later, he worked with newspapers including Sankranti, Varthamana, Ashoka, Mahanandi, and Vijaya.

In recognition of his contributions, he received several honours, including the Karnataka Media Academy award and the Sri Shivarathreeshwara Media award.

Mr. Srinivasan had also instituted awards for journalists in memory of his parents, K.V. Venkatappa Gowda and Janakamma, which were presented annually to upcoming journalists by the Mysore District Journalists’ Association.

MLC and senior journalist K. Shivakumar has condoled the passing of Mr. Srinivasan. Describing him as a true follower of Gandhian principles, Shivakumar said Mr. Srinivasan always stood by his values, practising simple living and showing unwavering commitment to the profession. A student of the first batch of the Journalism Department at the University of Mysore, his demise is an irreparable loss to the field of journalism.

His last rites will be performed at his native village on Saturday, according to family sources.