Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD/MS)
Udupi, Mar 20: “Society is responsible for today’s corrupted political environment. If the society does not change its behaviour, country is going to face huge turmoil. So creating awareness among citizens against corruption is the patriotic work that can be done by journalists,” said retired lokayukta justice N Santhosh Hegde.
Hegde was speaking after inaugurating the silver jubilee celebration of district working journalists’ association on Sunday at Ravindra Mantapa of MGM college in the city.
Justice Hegde further said, “People representatives should be made to understand the real meaning of democracy. Media is considered as the fourth estate in constitution. There is a feeling in society that power is got only by richness. Only media can change this thinking of society.”
Shivananda Tagadoor, state president of Karnataka state working journalists’ association, said, “The brilliance and professionalism of journalists is shaking due to various pressures. Society expects even more from the journalists. We should have commitment and responsibility in our profession.”
The programme was presided over by president of district working journalists’ association Rajesh Shetty Alevoor. Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa, vice president of Karnataka state working journalists’ association and Udupi district incharge and A S N Hebbar, founder vice president of the association, who were the chief guests, also addressed the gathering.
‘Udupi’, book written by senior journalist Ravindra was released during the event. U S Shenoy, founder chief secretary of the district association was felicitated. Founder office bearers and members were also honoured. Wishes were extended to new office bearers.
State committee member Kiran Manjanabailu, national committee member Arun Shiroor, district association treasurer Umesh Marpalli were present.
Convener of silver jubilee committee Mohammed Sharif did the introductory speech. Nazeer Polya, chief secretary of district association welcomed the gathering. Chief secretary of committee Jayakar Suvarna rendered vote of thanks. The programme was compered by K C Rajesh.