Veteran Times of India Photographer Vaman Bhandage Dies After Road Accident
Vaman Ramachandrasa Bhandage, a 54-year-old photographer with The Times of India's Hubballi bureau, has passed away. He sustained severe injuries in a road crash on Koppikar Road on February 10 while returning home after covering the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) general body meeting.
Hospitalization and Tragic Outcome
Bhandage was hospitalized for over one month following the accident. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on Friday. The incident has left the journalism community in Hubballi and North Karnataka in mourning.
A Distinguished Career in Photojournalism
Vaman Bhandage was a photojournalist for about four decades, with a passion for environmental photography, urban life, civic sense, and other social issues. He joined The Times of India in 2004 and became a pivotal figure in the bureau.
His portfolio included coverage of high-profile events, such as visits by the President of India, prime ministers, and other dignitaries to Hubballi and the North Karnataka region. Bhandage played a crucial role in documenting significant agitations, including those related to Idgah Maidan, the South Western Railway (SWR) headquarters for Hubballi, and the Mahadayi and Kalasa-Banduri projects.
Personal Legacy and Tributes
Known for his soft-spoken and dedicated nature, Vaman was lauded by many celebrities from politics, cinema, cricket, and entrepreneurship. He is survived by his wife, a son, two daughters, and many relatives and friends.
The loss of Vaman Bhandage marks the end of an era for photojournalism in the region, with colleagues remembering his unwavering commitment to capturing the essence of community and civic life through his lens.
