Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi

Udupi, Feb 23: Renowned author and lyricist Jayant Kaikini said that in the blazing light of media, values of human essence should not be lost and also virtues incorporating the innocence of child and affection of mother are necessary to view the world as humane.

Inaugurating the communication festival ‘Article 19’ at Manipal Institute of Communication, Manipal University, on Friday February 22, Kaikini regretted that there is much hype about media, information and development, but essential human relations are affected.

Recalling one of his short stories, he narrated how a person, who climbed up the socioeconomic ladder, fails to recognize his childhood friend from the village ‘in the electric light’, but  recognizes him in the ‘light of the lamp’ which brings all the childhood memories back.  

Another guest, Dilip Cherian, co-founder of Perfect Relations, explained various dimensions of public relations. He asserted that public relations (PR) is not just about holding brief on behalf of the big corporates and PR cannot give up ‘facts’.  He also felt that new technology has radically altered conventional media and PR.

Speaking on the occasion, MIC Director Prof Varadesh Hiregange said the freedom of speech and expression are under threat in the country due to fundamentalist forces. He was citing examples of journalist Naveen Surinje, who was needlessly arrested in the home stay attack case, and the controversy around the film ‘Vishwaroopam’.

MIC honorary director M V Kamath talked about the changing trends and values in journalism. Faculty co-ordinator Raviraj proposed the vote of thanks.  

Chitra Giridhara compered the programme and Bhoumik Joshi sang the invocation.