Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (PMD)
Mangaluru, Aug 5: The 16-day journalism course conducted by Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education in association with Canara Communications Centre and Daijiworld Weekly, came to a close with the valedictory function, at Sandesha hall on Saturday, August 5.
Bishop of Mangaluru diocese, Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza presided over the programme. B M Basheer, news editor of the Kannada daily Vartha Bharati was the chief guest of the programme.
Course coordinator Fr Richard D’Souza, director of Canara Communication Centre, Walter Nandalike, founder-managing director and editor-in-chief of daijiworld, Roy Castelino, trustee of Sandesha, Fr Vijay Victor Lobo, director of Sandesha, and Br Victor Crasta, assistant director of Sandesha were the dignitaries on the dais.
Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza in his presidential address said, "Journalism is not everyone's cup of tea. One needs to have a special calling for it, with special gifts and talent from God. Those called, must take responsibility to exercise the talent seriously. It is true, media is sometimes biased and one-sided because sponsors would like a particular way of conveying events. Hence, one needs to exercise the call of being a journalist in a right way, promoting truth and justice throughout. Truth is a difficult pill to swallow. Yet, in your news, let truth prevail. Stand for your values, justice and truth. I extend my wholehearted thanks to the organisers, students and especially, the resource persons." He hoped that the important and useful course, although short, be continued in the future too, to help 'form and transform' the society.
Sharing his experience, Fr Richard D’Souza said, "This batch, in particular, has been active in their participation. About eight to ten participants have their work published in various news portals. Many have written excellent articles and captured good photographs. All aspects of journalism have been touched upon during this course, which was a condensed version of a few years journalism course."
Walter Nandalike, addressing the gathering, expressed concerns about the state of the media. "Media today is commercialised. There is a one-way traffic in media. We need to work towards practising non-corrupt and democratic journalism. Media is not about doing business, it comes with a lot of responsibilities. Sandesha has given a good platform for participants to understand and work towards making media ethical. I am happy to see people from all walks of life, across age brackets participate in the course," he said, expressing hope for a stronger and more ethical fourth pillar of the democracy.
B M Basheer addressing the students said, "The course was not necessarily only for those aspiring to be journalists, but also for those who wanted to gain general awareness. One can say the course is a success if our perspective on news is renewed. Through the course, one gains understanding into the world of media and develops the ability to critically analyse information. Oftentimes events are overreported or underreported. Newspapers also have a certain bias towards advertisers as they contribute the difference amount between the cost of the paper and the price paid by consumers. The reader ought to be as alert as the journalist if unbiased information has to be consumed effectively."
Students Vishnu Menon, Sr Tresa Lidya, Nagesh and Jevita Lasrado shared their experience.
Certificates were distributed by dignitaries to all participants. Those whose news writings were accepted and published were rewarded on occasion. Prizes were also given to the Best Photo, Best Article, and Best Newspaper, judged during the course. The course this year saw more than 50 participants across professions and age groups.
The programme concluded with the Sandesha anthem.
Sr Anitha D’Souza led the gathering into prayer with a hymn. Br Mervin Manuel Savio welcomed the gathering. Rhema Sharoni Buthello and Br Rajesh compered the programme. Ashel Mascarenhas proposed the vote of thanks.