ZEE Kannada News to host Achievers Awards 2026 honouring Karnataka’s changemakers

Bengaluru: Zee Kannada News is rolling out the red carpet for Karnataka’s doers and drivers, as it hosts the ZEE Kannada News Achievers Awards 2026—an annual showcase of individuals shaping the state’s social, cultural and developmental arc.

The ceremony, set for 12 February from 5 pm at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru, positions itself as a celebration of real-world impact. From governance and public service to business, arts, culture and social work, the platform seeks to put the spotlight on those pushing Karnataka’s progress story forward.

The evening will unfold in the presence of Jagadguru Shri Shri Shri Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji, president, Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math, Mandya. A line-up of political heavyweights is expected, including H. K. Patil, minister for law and parliamentary affairs; Ramalinga Reddy, minister for transport and muzrai; G. Parameshwara, minister for home affairs; Eshwar Khandre, minister for forest department; Shivaraj Tangadagi, minister for Kannada and culture and backward classes welfare; Rahim Khan, minister for municipal administration and hajj; P. M. Narendraswamy, chairman, state environment and pollution control board; and V. Sunil Kumar, mla and state BJP general secretary.

Cinema will have a strong showing too, with director and actor S. Narayan and actors Pramod Shetty and Pooja Gandhi among the prominent names expected to attend.

A key highlight is the lifetime achievement honours, reserved for those whose contributions have left a long shadow. This year’s recipients include B. S. Yediyurappa, former chief minister of Karnataka, for his role in public life and governance; S. Narayan, director, actor and producer, for contributions to Kannada cinema; Anke Gowda M., librarian and book lover, for championing reading and access to knowledge; and Chitra Magimairaj, international snooker player, for representing India on the global stage.

The awards, the channel says, are meant to recognise leadership, integrity and commitment that go beyond personal success and translate into social value. The idea is as much about storytelling as it is about trophies—curating narratives of resilience, responsibility and excellence that mirror Karnataka’s ambitions.

Commercial partners are firmly in place. Tanishq comes in as presenting sponsor, with Sunpure Oil as powered-by partner. Smartquick and Bandhan Properties are associate partners. TRS Fashions and Abaya Gold Buyers join as fashion partners, while Kalyan Foots and Dhana Ganapathi Finance are special partners. Nandini signs on as refreshing partner and Prajavani as printing partner.

In a crowded awards market, Zee Kannada News is betting on credibility and local resonance. By foregrounding public service, culture and community impact, it is pitching the night as more than spectacle.

For one evening at least, the state’s power corridors, film circles and grassroots heroes share the same stage. The message is blunt and brisk: achievement counts, and Karnataka is keeping score.