Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Apr 12: “No government speaks the truth. The present governments not only lie but also govern through platforms like WhatsApp. The media must go beyond these lies and bring the truth to the public,” said renowned cartoonist and writer Panju Gangolli.
He was speaking after inaugurating the Foundation Day celebrations of the Udupi Working Journalists’ Association, held at the Udupi Patrika Bhavana on Saturday, organised in collaboration with the Udupi Patrika Bhavana Committee.
Gangolli expressed concern over the weakening state of the media today. “Instead of standing with the victims of crimes like murder, rape, and exploitation, the media is siding with the perpetrators. This is a betrayal of the viewers and readers,” he remarked.
He further noted that journalists once held a respected position in society, with the public considering their words as truth. “Today, when I say I’m a journalist, people ask which political party I belong to. This reflects our moral decline,” he lamented.
He emphasised that the media must hold the legislature, executive, and judiciary accountable. “That is why people once referred to the media as the watchdog of democracy. But now, some media houses openly work in favour of certain political parties,” he alleged.
“Instead of questioning the government, the media is questioning the opposition. Rather than being the opposition to the government, it has become the opposition to the opposition. We must reflect on this situation,” he added.
Senior journalist Mohanchandra Nambiar spoke about the formation of the Association and the contributions of past presidents. On the occasion, Dr Sudhakar Nambiar, a founding member and veteran journalist, was felicitated with the Foundation Day honour.
Association president Rajesh Shetty Alevur presided over the event. Astro Mohan, a member of the Karnataka Lalitha Kala Academy, was felicitated for his appointment. He also donated his books to the Association's library.
State Committee Member Kiran Manjanbailu was present on the occasion. General secretary Nazeer Polya delivered the welcome address and introductory remarks. Ajith Aradi, coordinator of the Patrika Bhavana Committee, introduced the guests. Sharif Karkala, coordinator of the silver jubilee committee, proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by journalist Michael Rodrigues.