Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 4: “The current media landscape presents one of the biggest challenges in journalism. Today, independent reporting is becoming increasingly difficult. Media houses cannot run without advertisements and sponsorships, and therefore 100% transparent reporting is almost impossible. It is unfortunate that nearly 98% of media houses are owned by politicians and corporates, which has led to a loss of public trust in television news. Reports are often one-sided and biased. Journalists must gather the courage to pursue honest and transparent reporting,” said Walter D'Souza Nandalike, founder and managing director of Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd.
He was addressing a special Patrakartara Upanyasa (lecture on journalists) programme organised by Kannadiga Patrakartara Sangha Maharashtra at the Late Shri Rammohan Shetty Balkunje stage, Club House Hall, Solitaire Corporate Park, Andheri East, Mumbai on August 3.
The programme was presided over by Rons Bantwal, president of Patrakartara Sangha Maharashtra. Film actor Arvind Bolar, Allwyn Sequeira Gardadi, director of AJS Marketing (Malad), and KPSM first vice president Kacheri Sadananda D Nayak were present. Chief guest Walter Nandalike also released the fifth book *Minchi Mareyada Saraswat Ratnagalu*, written by Sadananda Nayak and published by Akhari Prakashan.
Senior advocate Kadandale Parari Prakash L Shetty, special advocate for the Maharashtra government’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) and senior adviser to the KPSM advisory committee, delivered a lecture titled *Journalism must remain free, fair, and fearless*. “Freedom of the press must be preserved at all costs. Newspapers have existed since the earliest days of communication, and even in difficult times, they have ensured that information reaches the public. In today’s fast-paced world, journalists must not compromise the core values of responsible reporting. There is a growing decline in in-depth, research-based journalism. The expertise of subject specialists should not be ignored. While some argue that electronic media has replaced print, the latter continues to remain a trusted and reliable source of information,” he said.
Senior journalist Srinivasa Jokatte, in his address, stated that despite the dominance of mainstream media, journalism that nurtures the Kannada language and the spirit of *Karunadu* is still alive in Mumbai. “Today’s journalists work under immense pressure, and the life of a correspondent has become increasingly challenging,” he remarked.
Speaking on the importance of associations, Sadananda Nayak said, “Associations are essential, especially in times of need. This journalist’s association, which has been built over 17 years in our *Karmabhumi* of Maharashtra, has been a great support during tough times. Let it continue to grow as a journalist-friendly organisation.”
Actor Arvind Bolar, in his humorous and heartfelt speech, said, “It was journalists who took me from theatre to cinema. I am just a comedian, but their collaboration helped me grow. I’m not shy to talk to anyone, but I’m still afraid of journalists—because if there’s any flaw in the world, they are the ones who expose it. Good journalists nurture artists, and their service is commendable. They identify the common man and bring their issues to society.”
In his presidential address, Rons Bantwal said that journalists require dedicated platforms for professional development. “Social concern should be inherent in journalists. In today’s world, associations are essential for career growth. Journalists must come together, unite through such associations, and move forward collectively.”
On the occasion, Krishna B Bangera, a long-time volunteer at Billawar Bhavan and Guru Narayan Mandir in Santacruz for the past three decades, was felicitated. He is also a member of KPSM.
Distinguished achievers honoured included Sadaram N Shetty Sampadamane (director, Chittari Hospitality Pvt Ltd), Dr G P Kusuma, Chandrasekhara R Belchada, Anita P Poojary Tackode, Lata Santhosh Shetty Muddumane, Nithyanand D Kotyan, C A Poojary, John Wilson Lobo (Suktha News), actor of *Aa Dinagalu* fame Aryan Jagadish (Bengaluru), among others.
Present on the occasion were KPSM hon general treasurer Vishwanath Poojary Niddodi, joint treasurer Dr Durgappa Y Kotiyawar, executive committee members Ranga S Poojary, Peter F D’Souza, Shyama M Handhe, advisory committee members CA I R Shetty, Surendra A Poojary, CA Jagdish B Shetty, Laxman C Poojari, Gregory D’Almeida, and special invitee members Dr Shivarama K Bhandary, Harish Poojary Kokkarne, and Sudhakar Uchil.
Vice president Dr Shiva Mudigere delivered the welcome address and introductory remarks. Joint secretary Savita Suresh Shetty and Gopal Poojary Trasi introduced the guests and awardees and compered the programme. Hon general secretary Sa Daya (Dayanand Salian) proposed the vote of thanks. The event concluded with the national anthem.