Journalists should not become a burden to society but must emerge as pillars of leadership, said Karnataka State Working Journalists’ Association Vice President H.B. Madan Gowda.
He was speaking after inaugurating the oath-taking ceremony of the Kodagu District Working Journalists’ Association’s new Managing Committee (2025-28) at Kodava Samaja Hall. Highlighting the Association’s 94-year history since its founding by D.V. Gundappa, Madan Gowda said it continues to function as a strong organisation with members across all districts, taluks and hoblis of Karnataka. He noted that the Association is actively working to secure government support, including health insurance for journalists – expected to be announced in the next budget. He pointed out that the Association’s efforts had helped raise journalists’ salaries from Rs 3,000 to Rs 15,000.
Rajendra, Editor-in-Chief of Shakti Dina, called upon journalists to uphold sensitivity and responsibility while reporting. “Journalists are not stagnant water – they are a flowing river,” he said.
State Vice President Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa commended the young team taking charge of the Association and urged them to work with integrity.
Guarantee Scheme Implementation Authority President Teethira Dharmaja Uthappa praised Kodagu journalists for their discipline and said the media plays a key role in guiding the executive, judiciary and legislature.
Outgoing president Savita Rai expressed confidence in the new team, recalling that during the 2018 natural disaster, Rs 5 lakh in relief was provided to affected journalists.
New President Bacharaniyand Anu Kariappa announced plans to conduct monthly programmes and provide health insurance to all members.
The new nameplate and the logo of the Journalists’ Cultural Forum were unveiled on the occasion. Office-bearers, taluk presidents, members and guests attended the ceremony. The programme included a prayer by Channanayaka, welcome by Secretary Mallikarjun, report presentation by General Secretary H.J. Rakesh and a vote of thanks by Vice President Vanitha Chandramohan.
