Mangalore: Ronald Anil Fernandes’ Book “TV Tolls for Teens”  Released

Pics by Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (FR)

Mangalore, May 30:  “TV Tolls for Teens”, a book by journalist Dr Ronald Anil Fernandes was released by Fr Denis D’Sa, administrator of Fr Muller Medical College at the book release function held at Kalaangann on May 29, 2010.  Prof K V Nagaraj, professor and Head, Mass Communcation & Journalism Department, Assam University, Silchair, Assam was the Chief Guest at the function.

Speaking on the occasion after releasing Fr D’Sa commended Ronald for bringing out his doctoral thesis in the book form and termed Dr Ronald Fernandes as a journalist with a difference.  “Today on this occasion I have more joy than any one else as my once favourite Alter boy has grown to emerge as a media person creating a special niche for himself in the field.   Ronald is a journalist having a concern for the wellbeing of the society which is reflected in the kind of work he has been doing as a journalist.  He works for the empowerment of the people which is highly commendable”.

Fr D’Sa lamented the kind of prominence gained by television in the lives of the people.  “Earlier it was the parents, teachers, religious centres and the society which had a prominent influence on the public.  But now the place of all the four has been taken up by the television sets.   Earlier it was the gurus who were the role models for students and now their place is usurped by sports personalities, actors and television personalities.  Television has greatly influenced the way of thinking of people, their lifestyle, identity and personal relationships of people”.  Fr  D’Sa  likened the media to a knife saying “a knife in the hands  of a doctor  can save the life but in the hands of the murderer that same knife can take away the life”. 

Prof K V Nagaraj, mentor and guide of Dr Ronald, who had come all the way from Assam for the book release of his favourite pupil and said that the book is a path breaking effort by the author.    He stated “ I am s both happy and sad on the occasion of the release of the book.  Happy because Ronald has brought out this book on a topic which is very relevant in today’s world and sad because I wanted him to do more”.  

Prof Nagaraj called upon media houses to donate towards the cause of media education as is done by media publications in other countries.   Commenting on the sad state of media education in India Prof Nagaraj said “there is a need for quality and value based media education in our country where even morality and ethics have become market oriented.  Media education is in such a flux it is painful to see the gradual deterioration.  Instead of teaching we have started ascribing to the new corporate ideology”.   

Guest of Honour Dr Dominic D, Associate Professor, Bangalore University P G Centre at Kolar stated that often we tend to mistake difference for discrimination which should not happen.  In the changing scenario we have to try to relocate ourselves constantly”. 

Earlier publisher of the book Dr M Byregowda of Pragati Graphics, Bangalore, welcomed the guests and the gathering. 

Author of the book Dr Ronald Anil Fernandes pointed out that just like the many interesting twists and incidents in his life the book has been another interest event of his life and thanked everyone especially his guide and mentor Prof Nagaraj.  As a form of ‘gurudakshina’ , Prof Nagaraj   was felicitated by Fr D’Sa with a shawl, memento and a portrait of his own, created by  eminent artiste Jagadish Ammunje.  Fellow journalist Mahesh Nayak  compered the programme.