Bhatkal: "The reporting of correspondent and journalist should be responsible and reflect the values of society such that oppressed and exploited individuals can be brought to justice," Bhatkal MLA Mankal Vaidya has said.
He was speaking at a function to mark Press Day here on Friday at Guru Sudhindra college auditorium, Bhatkal. Mr. Vaidya said that the media had been playing an important role in ensuring that the executive, judiciary and the legislature functioned in the right way. The media, which represented the civic society, had been keeping a close watch on the functioning of the three pillars of democracy.
"A journalist should understand that he holds a post of a great responsibility. A reporter can bring attention of the representatives and the government by highlighting the social issues." he said.
He urged reporters to raise their voice over the serious issues prevalent in the society. He appreciated the work done by the Bhatkal Working Journalist Association where journalist stay united and strive to provide excellent services.
Renowned professor of Mysore college Dr. Niranjan Wanli presented his thesis about effect of electronic media over print media and how print media was not affected with the advent of electronic media. He motivated the journalist to report authentic and genuine events.
On the occasion of press day, retired Captain and president of Siddharth Education Trust, K R Naik and door to door newspaper provider, physically challenged Ravi Naik was felicitated. Mr. Wanli expressed his happiness and praised the Association for the gesture over the latter's felicitation.
President of District Working Journalist Association Subrayya Bhatt in his presidential remarks, praised the Bhatkal Association for its excellent and systematic organisation of the Press day and informed about the district meeting held in August.
Vice-President of the Association Mohammed Raza Manvi in his welcome speech spoke about the strenuous efforts taken by the Association to achieve the spirit of brotherhood and retain the peaceful atmosphere of Bhatkal and credited the members for their social and public consciousness.
On the occassion, Shyama Rao Award was awarded to Senior journalist Radhakrishna Bhat, G S Ajibel Award was presented to Anant Desai of Joida, Shailaja Goranmane of Sirsi, Nagraj Bhatt of Siddapur, Olivier Fernades of Haliyal and Krishna Murthy Bhatt of Honnavar.
Kannada Sahitya Parishat president and Gyaneshwari B. Ed College lecturer Gangadhar Naik compeered the ceremony. General Secretary Bhaskar Nayak proposed vote of thanks. Various journalists, representatives of many organisations and students of B. Ed college were present.