Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jul 9: "Journalists require adequate training. Due to a lack of knowledge, some journalists tend to interject their own opinions into news reporting. News should be unbiased and factual," opined state Assembly speaker U T Khader.

He made these remarks while addressing the scholarship distribution ceremony for meritorious students of the journalist program, organized by the Karnataka Working Journalists Association in collaboration with the Udupi Working Journalists Association, the Silver Jubilee Committee, and Kasturba Hospital Manipal on July 8, held at Dr TMA Pai Halls Manipal.

Speaking about journalism, U T Khader emphasized, "Journalism plays a significant role in passing on our culture to the next generation. I urge the felicitated children to not only be assets to their parents but also to the nation. Politicians cannot exist without journalists, and journalists cannot exist without politicians; there is a connection between the two. The entire media supported me when I worked for the welfare of society."

Lakshmi Hebbalkar, minister of women and child development, and in-charge minister of Udupi district, remarked on the occasion, "Journalists work for the betterment of society and to address people's problems, but it is equally important for you to prioritize your family and spend time with them. All the felicitated children must fulfill their parents' dreams as they have worked hard for you. I promise to provide all types of assistance to journalists from the state government, and I want to emphasize that I will not limit myself to mere speeches but also work towards empowering Udupi district."

Shivanand Thagadoor, state president of the Karnataka Working Journalist Association, acknowledged the challenges of organizing an event and commended the Udupi District Working Journalist Association for successfully hosting the program. He expressed gratitude to Dr Subhash Ballal and Manipal hospitals for providing medical fee concessions to journalists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thagadoor praised the fearless dedication of journalists in providing information to society, emphasizing that when a journalist takes leave, the news in their area suffers. The program aimed to allow journalists to spend quality time with their families. He also highlighted that the Karnataka Union of Working Journalists is the only association with 8,000 members.

Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor of MAHE Manipal, added, "Today's youth will be tomorrow's leaders and are the true wealth of our country. It is our duty to provide them with a good education. We assure our support for the proposed health fund by the District Working Journalist Association. Talented underprivileged children should always be encouraged and supported. Only journalists are dedicated to delivering information to society."

U T Khader, Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Dr H S Ballal, Dr Avinash Shetty, medical director of Kasturba Hospital Manipal, and Shivanand Thagadoor honored the meritorious students of journalism who excelled in their second PUC and SSLC examinations.

Shivanand Thagadoor presided over the program. Rajesh Shetty Alevoor, president of the Udupi District Working Journalist Association, delivered the introductory speech. Mohammed Sharif, convener of the Silver Jubilee Committee, welcomed the gathering.

Yashpal Suvarna, MLA of Udupi, M Kurma Rao, deputy commissioner, Akshay Hakay Machindra, superintendent of police, Nazeer Polya, secretary of the Udupi District Working Journalists’ Association, Jayakar Suvarna, chief secretary of the Silver Jubilee Committee, Kiran Manjanbailu, State Committee member, J C Lokesh, chief secretary of Karnataka Union of Working Journalists, Pundalika, vice president, Arun Kumar Shiroor, Central Council member, and others were present. K C Rajesh compered the program.