Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Mar 7: The installation ceremony of the newly elected office-bearers for the 2025-28 term of the Udupi District Working Journalists’ Association, The Udupi Press Club Committee and the taluk units of Karkala, Kundapura, Byndoor, Kaup, Brahmavar and Hebri, held at IMA Bhavan in Brahmagiri on March 7.
Shivanand Tagadur, Karnataka Working Journalists’ Association president inaugurated the event by handing over the Association's flag to the newly elected president of Udupi district Working Journalists' Association Subramanya G Kurya.
Shivanand Tagadur, in his inaugural address said," In recent days, it has increasingly been noticed that some individuals are misusing the label of “journalist” and engaging in blackmail rackets and criminal activities. We must take steps to curb such practices, otherwise, journalists will not be able to retain respect in society." He said the profession of journalism becomes meaningful only when the news reported by journalists benefits society.
Shibanand tagadur further added, Today’s media, he observed, appears to be giving more importance to “statement-oriented” news rather than reports that address social imbalances. This trend should be curbed and greater focus should be placed on people-centric journalism. "While reporting, journalists must also maintain a strong sense of social responsibility. Society has placed journalists in a position of great responsibility, and that trust must be preserved. Journalists must work with caution and awareness. Not only their writing but also their behavior matters. Once a person chooses journalism as a profession, it is necessary to act accordingly and develop a professional attitude. The association too must work in this direction," he advised.
During the event, the monthly magazine Sanmati, which highlights the activities of the association, was released by the state president.
The programme was presided over by the newly elected district president Subrahmanya G Kurya.
District in-charge and state vice president Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa and Udupi district information officer Manjunath spoke on the occasion.
Certificates were presented to the newly elected office-bearers of the district and taluk units. Journalist Lakshmi Machina, recipient of the district Rajyotsava Award, Janardhana Kodavoor, who was recently appointed as district scout commissioner, and Veera Rani Abbakka award recipient Yashodha Keshav were felicitated.
General secretary Nazir Polya welcomed the gathering and delivered the introductory remarks. District executive committee member Ajith Aradi read out the list of the newly elected office-bearers. Ramanji Nammabhoomi rendered the association’s theme song. District executive committee member Chetan Matapadi proposed the vote of thanks. Journalist Rahim Ujire compered the programme.
Former district president Rajesh Shetty Alevoor, state committee member Asto Mohan, national committee member Arun Kumar Shirur and district treasurer Harish Kunder were present.