DyCM inaugurates 35th conference of state journalists

Team Udayavani, Mar 7, 2020, 5:11 PM IST

Mangaluru: Deputy Chief Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan inaugurated the 35th conference of state journalists at Kudmul Rangarao town hall here on March 7.

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the two-day conference, organised by Karnataka Union of Working Journalists Ashwath Narayan said that political news is getting more media focus. Priority should be given to development news and the common man’s grievances, the DyCM said.

“Journalists are facing a challenging task of functioning with credibility while upholding professional ethics in modern times when monetary gains are considered to be of more importance,” he added.

Dharmastala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade, in his address said, “Journalists should shed light upon the positive aspects and hide the negative aspects in order to build a strong society.”

A souvenir brought out to commemorate the conference was released by Taranga Editor Sandhya Pai.

Delivering the keynote address, Sandhya Pai said that the print media holds a bleak future considering the reducing number of readers in recent times. “There should be a healthy competition between media houses, even as it struggles for existence in this competitive era. This conference should serve as a platform to unite journalists and address the problems of the media community.”

Padmashri awardee Harekala Hajabba was honoured on the occasion. The “Best District Journalists’ Association award was presented to Dakshina Kannada district working journalists’ association in recognition of their contribution and welfare programmes.

‘Namma Mangaluru – Mangaluru Mahanagara Palikeya Samagra Nota’ (Our Mangaluru – A comprehensive look at Mangaluru City Corporation), a book authored by journalist B Raveendra Shetty was released on the occasion. “Pathrakartha”, a souvenir was also released.

MLAs Vedavyas Kamath, Bharath Y Shetty, U T Khader, Harish Kumar MLC, Zilla parishad chief Meenakshi Shanthigodu, city mayor Diwakar Pandeshwar, Journalists union DK district president Srinivas Nayak Indaje and SCDCC Bank Chairman M N Rajendra Kumar were present.