Journalists should work alongside public representatives in the interest of society and to ensure justice for the common people,” said Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda.
He was speaking at the annual award presentation and felicitation ceremony organized by the Kodagu District Working Journalists Association at Patrika Bhavan, Madikeri, on Sunday.
Dr. Mantar fondly remembered his grandmother Sakamma, a noted philanthropist from Somwarpet, and humorously remarked, “While Sakamma donated for the welfare of the people, politicians donate for popularity.” He also announced the creation of two endowment funds in her memory.
Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa, Vice President of the Karnataka Working Journalists Association, remarked that awards help motivate journalists and suggested that Dr. Mantar’s endowment should be awarded for excellence in reporting on the coffee industry.
Legal advisor and advocate P. Krishnamurthy urged MLAs to arrange government land for setting up journalist facilities. He emphasized that the association president should be consulted in any decision regarding journalist welfare, highlighting the prompt response of the association to its members’ needs and its commitment to societal concerns through media outreach.
The event was chaired by Association President B.R. Savita Rai. Other dignitaries present included State Committee Director T.N. Manjunath, Kodagu Press Club President Bollajira Ayyappa, Director H.K. Rakesh, who compered the program, Chenna Nayak, who conducted prayers and read out the list of awardees, Vice President Partha Chinna, who delivered the vote of thanks
The award ceremony was sponsored by Dr. Mahadevappa, Minister for Social Welfare, and Dhananjaya Sarji, MLC for Southwest Graduate Constituency.
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