Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network—Mumbai (RD)

Mumbai, Mar 5: “I wonder how I ended up as a journalist since I was expected to take care of a family plantation. Studies inspired me to explore new avenues.  It is an irony that the journalists in present times lack honesty,” said renowned media entrepreneur and social worker Eshwar Daitota, Bangalore.

He was speaking after receiving the ‘Karki Ventaramana Shastri Soori Award–2012’, during a function held at Karnataka Sangh auditorium, Matunga (West), on Sunday March 4.  The metro-based Havyaka Welfare Trust has been conferring this annual award for distinguished service.

“Journalists with egos are unfit to work in media.  It’s essential that journalist should have the human virtue of humility.  Journalists can work effectively in co-ordinating with the government and the general public and is co-related with democracy.  The journalists are expected to create general awareness with vital inputs from different sources,” said Daitota.

Havyaka Welfare Trust president N R Hegde presided over the programme.

Srikrishna Vittala Pratistan Mumbai founder Vidwan Kairabettu Vishwanat Bhat was the chief guest who inaugurated the programme.
Karnataka Sangh president Dr G D Joshi, Kannada daily ‘Karnataka Malla’ editor Chandrashekar Palettady, and renowned Kannada litterateur and poet Shimunje Parari were the guests of honour who presented the award to Daitota on the occasion.

Havyaka Trust vice-president Shivakumar Bhagavat was present on the dais.

Sunidi Hegde rendered the prayers. Honorary secretary Narayan R Akadas welcomed the gathering. Amita Bhagavat read the felicitation message.  Shanta Bhat introduced the guests.  Jyoti Bhat compered the programme and Tanuja Hegde proposed the vote of thanks.

Vaishnavi Shetty, Meghamala Poojary, and Dhruti Shetty staged a classical dance as part of the cultural programme.

Kannada play ‘Ambe’ directed by Dr Bharat Kumar Polipu was staged by the artistes of Kalabharati Kalavidaru, the theater wing of Karnataka Sangh.