Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 9: The Karnataka Journalists Association of Maharashtra organized the annual K T Venugopal Kapasam National Media Shri Award ceremony at the Club House auditorium, Solitary Corporate Park, Andheri East, Mumbai.

Ayesha Khanum, president of the Karnataka Media Academy, inaugurated the event. In her address, she stressed that journalism must focus on balanced reporting, fairness, and media critique. She said accuracy is crucial in reporting and there can be no compromise with truth. She lauded the Kannada media in Maharashtra for reporting from the perspective of Kannadigas and said that this is why Mumbai-based Kannada journalists are recognized as national journalists.

On this occasion, senior journalist from New Delhi, D Umapathi (Chitradurga), was honoured with a shawl, a cash prize of Rs 25,000, a memento, citation, and flowers as part of the 2025 National Media Shri Award.

After receiving the award, Umapathi said that delivering the truth to the people is the duty of journalists. He accepted the award with humility and noted that journalists are the voice of the people. Awards to youngsters, he added, inspire future generations. Writing skill is essential for journalism, and today the profession has grown into a corporate-level industry. Yet, journalists must carry social concern, he emphasized.

The programme was presided over by journalists’ association president Rons Bantwal.

During the event, social activist and transgender Shridevi Londe, from a reputed NGO in Kalyan, was specially honoured.

Bhagirathi G Murulya, MLA from Sullia constituency, participated as the chief guest. She said journalists are professionals without pomp who make pen and books their wealth. They have the strength to find solutions to problems and are engaged in a profession that serves from birth to death. She praised journalists for inspiring society and recognizing the good work of people.

On the occasion, Ayesha Khanum handed over responsibilities to the newly elected office-bearers of the Karnataka Journalists Association of Maharashtra for 2025-2028: president Dr G P Kusuma, vice president Vishwanath Poojary Niddodi, honorary general secretary Savita Suresh Shetty, honorary treasurer Suresh K Moulya, joint secretary Shyam M Hande, and joint treasurer Dr Durgappa Y Kotiyavar.

The event was attended by senior writer and Rajyotsava awardee Dr Sunitha M Shetty, award committee working president; social activist John Wilson Lobo; president of Kannada Sangha Santacruz, Sujatha R Shetty; Suresh S Saliyan; executive committee members Rang S Poojary, Dr G P Kusuma, Anita P Poojary Takode, Karunakar V Shetty, Gopal Poojary Trasi, Shyam M Hande; advisory committee member Surendra A Poojary; special invitees Dr Shivaram K Bhandary, advocate Amitha S Bhagwat, Mundkur Surendra Saliyan; founder vice president Sadananda D Nayak; Sudhakar Uchchil; and Chandravati Devadiga.

Vidya M Bhandary led the prayer. Vice president Dr Shiv Moodigere proposed the welcome and introduction. Joint secretary Savita S Shetty, joint treasurer Dr Durgappa Y Kotiyavar, and Jayaram G Nayak introduced the guests and honorees. Honorary general secretary S Daya (Dayanand) introduced the awardees. The programme was compered by Dr G P Kusuma, who also proposed the vote of thanks.