Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Dec 19: “The media is like the brain of society. It has an important role in molding society. The society believes in what the media publishes,” said Rt Rev Hemachandra Kumar, Bishop of the CSI Karnataka Southern Diocese.
He was speaking at the Christmas celebration organised by the Diocese of Udupi for the media fraternity on Thursday, December 19.
In his presidential address, Rt Rev Hemachandra Kumar said, “In a world running at high speed, this is a moment to rest and relax. The media gets very little time to unwind. Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo is working for society in an exemplary manner. The media is like the brain of society and plays a crucial role in shaping it. Society believes in what the media publishes. Media has the power to inspire and uplift individuals. Christmas is not just a celebration; it’s an invitation to imitate Christ. The birth of Christ brings peace and protection. His life gives hope to the needy and downtrodden. Christmas is a time for giving, a tradition of sharing joy. It is a celebration to embrace Jesus at the end of one year and prepare for the next. In the race of life, we are forgetting humanity. Media plays a vital role in shaping public opinion. Let good thoughts emerge from the media to bring about positive change in society.”
Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, in his welcome address, said, “You have a very important responsibility as a bridge between the haves and have-nots. Let Christ be the reason to bring light and happiness among us. Let Christmas inspire us to live with purpose and hope.”
Dr G S Chandrashekar, medical director of Adarsh Hospital, Udupi, addressed the gathering as the chief guest. He said, “Today in India, we need skilled people in every field. Despite the numerous medical colleges and other institutions, there is a lack of practical skills. This issue extends to many other sectors. We are losing quality. The Government of India’s Skill India programs are yet to make a significant impact at the grassroots level. Corruption is another pressing issue. It is essential for everyone, including the media, to initiate movements to eradicate corruption. We must make bold decisions to break this vicious cycle. Obesity, the root cause of metabolic diseases, is another area where awareness is critical. While it is easy to write and preach about these issues, practicing them is challenging. Let us avoid letting minor disagreements escalate into major conflicts.”
Rajesh Shetty Alevoor, president of the Udupi District Working Journalists’ Association, and Umesh Marpalli, treasurer, were honored as part of the district Rajyotsava Award for the association. Michael Rodrigues, media coordinator of the Udupi Diocese, was also felicitated on the occasion.
B Manjunath, deputy director of the information and broadcasting department, emphasized the importance of fraternity in society. He said, “Let the Almighty bless us all with good health and happiness. Many social reformers have shaped society, but today, some infringers, for their personal gain, create unrest and injustice. They disrupt peace and harmony. Let us pray for their transformation and for a better society.”
Rajesh Shetty Alevoor, in his address, said, “Christians have contributed immensely in various fields. Similarly, we, the media fraternity, have served society through our writings. We have shed light on many critical issues. I request the Bishop to establish a medical college and hospital in the diocese, which would greatly benefit the needy.”
Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, vicar general of the Diocese of Udupi; Fr Roshan Dsouza, chancellor of the Diocese of Udupi; Ankith Shetty, co-convener of the Udupi Press Club; Fr Denis D’sa, PRO of the Diocese of Udupi; Michael Rodrigues, media coordinator of the Diocese of Udupi; and Fr Charles Menezes, parish priest of Udupi Church, were present on the occasion.
Michael Rodrigues proposed the vote of thanks, and Fr Denis D’sa compered the programme.