Mangaluru: “In recent years, money has received more prominence ever since globalisation and privatisation took place. However, more prominence should be given to ethics and social values than to money,” said Deputy Chief Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan here on Saturday, March 7.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 35th journalists’ state conference organised at the Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall. He said, “In recent times, more importance is being given to politics only. If the media emphasizes only on politics, then other topics which are essential for civil society will be neglected. Hence, journalists should focus on all subjects and try to rectify the problems of society.”
Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister Kota Srinivas Poojary said, “Journalists should follow the ideas and idealisms of senior journalists like Vaddarde Raghuram Shetty. While filing any report, journalists should think about the leaders’ purview.”
Addressing the gathering, Dharmastala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade said, “Journalists should shed light upon the positive aspects and hide the negative aspects in order to build a strong society. Journalists are always busy in their life. However, they should be aware of how to handle success. If you cannot handle stress, you cannot handle success.”
Senior journalist Sandhya Pai, while delivering the keynote address said, “The number of readers has been diminishing in the recent years. Hence, there is no future for media. It is said that magazines will last only 5-6 years and a newspapers’ life may be extended only for the next 10 years. As some politicians and entrepreneurs own media houses, the media is unable to do justice. As this is a competitive era, the media struggles for its existence. But, there should be healthy competition between media houses. This conference should unite all journalists and address the problems of the media community.”
Padma Shri awardee Harekala Hajabba was felicitated by the guests on the occasion. The journalists who first brought Hajabba into the limelight, Guruvappa N T Balepuni, Yogish Holla, Gururaj Paniyadi and Kiran Sirsikar were also felicitated.
Considering the immense contribution and welfare programmes of the Dakshina Kannada district working journalists’ association, it received the “Best District Journalists’ Association” at the programme.
Meanwhile, “Namma Mangaluru”, a book by senior journalist B Raveendra Shetty was released on the occasion. “Pathrakartha”, a souvenir was also released.
Cartoon, newspaper and photo exhibitions were set up outside the Town Hall. After the inaugural programme, different sessions were held on different topics wherein several resource persons spoke to the gathering.
Association state president Shivananda Thagadoor delivered the introductory speech and welcomed the gathering. MLAs D Vedavyas Kamath, Dr Y Bharath Shetty, U T Khader, Mayor Diwakar Pandeshwar, Deputy Mayor Vedavathi, veteran music director Gurukiran, SCDCC Bank chairman Dr M N Rajendra Kumar, Association district president Srinivas Nayak Indaje and members of the association were present.
