Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 6: The golden jubilee celebration of the Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists' Union (DKWJU) was celebrated at Townhall on Wednesday, August 6.
Former chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda inaugurated the golden jubilee event and also opened a photo exhibition.
Speaking on the occasion, D V Sadananda Gowda said, “Do not stick to one ideology or stance, but present the truth and reality to the people, which can bring about social change. Today, due to TRP pressure, the entire social system has turned upside down. Print and electronic media have their limitations and management to deal with, but in social media, anyone with an account and a mobile phone becomes an editor and a boss — and they do not sleep until they defame someone. Ten years ago, news was simple and to the point, but today, it has become discussion, explanation, and exaggeration. The media is so powerful that it can even collapse a government. It should be direct, bold, and consistent to wield its full power.”
On the occasion, the Suvarna Sambhrama Honorary Award was presented to Dr Mohan Alva, president of Alva’s Education Trust.
In the state-level news photography competition, Kannada Prabha Hubballi photographer Erappa Naykar secured first place, M S Basavanna of Kannada Prabha Mysuru won the second prize, and Udaya Shankar from the Indian Express Mysuru bagged the third prize. The competition was organised by photojournalists Sathish Ira, Dayananda Kukkaje, Apul Alva Ira, Anush Pandith, and Annu Mangaluru.
Meanwhile, dignitaries unveiled the Madhyama Suvarna Sambhrama souvenir, which was released by former MP Nalin Kumar Kateel.
Addressing the gathering, Nalin Kumar Kateel said, “Journalists have played a key role in the development of the district. They created awareness by highlighting rural issues, many of which were resolved thanks to their coverage. Journalists also worked hard to build the ‘Brand Mangaluru’ identity and played a crucial role in introducing Padma Shri awardees Harekala Hajabba and Mahalinga Nayak to the world.”
NRI businessman, philanthropist, and CEO of Al Muzain, Zakariya Jokatte, released a documentary on the golden jubilee of the Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists' Union. He also announced the allocation of five houses under the journalists’ housing scheme. “We need to work towards making this city a tourist-friendly Brand Mangaluru,” he said.
Recalling the journey of the Union, founder president of the Press Club Anand Shetty said, “The Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists' Union was formed in 1976 when the district was undivided, stretching from Byndoor to Sullia. Back then, only a few journalists in urban areas were part of the association. The inauguration was held at PVS Kalakunj in 1976. In 1988, registration was done to construct Patrika Bhavana, and the foundation stone was laid in 1992-93 when Veerappa Moily was the chief minister. However, due to legal and technical issues, the project could not move forward. In 2001, the union completed 25 years, but was inactive and lacked funds to revive itself. Karnataka Bank supported us with Rs 30,000, yet we could not even afford to pay for private land.”
He added, “Later, Mayor Diwakar allotted us a space at the MCC, after discussions with then commissioner J R Lobo. Though the proposal was initially rejected by the council, it was approved in a second meeting. However, it was not permanent. In 2004, the court dismissed the case related to the present Press Club land, and in 2007, the Press Club was finally inaugurated. The formation of the association has been a journey of struggles, and today we have completed 50 years.”
The event was attended by MLAs Vedavyas Kamath and Dr Bharath Y Shetty, former corporator Diwakar, Naveen D’Souza, Wenlock Hospital medical officer Dr Shivaprakash, information officer Khader Shah, president of Jagathika Buntara Sanghagala Okkutta Ikala Harish Shetty, NRI entrepreneur Jayaram Rai, president of Patrika Bhavana Trust Ramakrishna R, president of Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists' Union Srinivas Nayak Indaje, and others.
Journalist P B Harish Rai welcomed the gathering, and Dinesh Ira compered the event.