Udupi: Noted cartoonist and writer Panju Gangolli strongly criticised the current state of governance and journalism, stating that “governments rule through lies and WhatsApp,” during his address at the Foundation Day celebrations of the Udupi Working Journalists’ Association. The event was held at Udupi Patrika Bhavana in collaboration with the Patrika Bhavana Committee.
Gangolli warned that the media’s credibility is eroding, with many outlets siding with the powerful instead of the oppressed. “Journalism has lost its moral compass. Instead of holding the powerful accountable, the media now questions the opposition, not the government,” he said.
Reflecting on the past, he recalled how journalists were once seen as pillars of truth. “Now, when I say I’m a journalist, people ask me which political party I belong to. That’s a sign of how far we’ve fallen,” he remarked, urging the media to reclaim its role as the watchdog of democracy.
Senior journalist Mohanchandra Nambiar spoke about the association’s origins, while Dr Sudhakar Nambiar, a founding member, was honoured for his lifelong contributions.
Astro Mohan, recently appointed to the Karnataka Lalitha Kala Academy, was felicitated and generously donated his books to the association’s library.
The event was presided over by Rajesh Shetty Alevur, with Kiran Manjanbailu, Nazeer Polya, Ajith Aradi, Sharif Karkala, and Michael Rodrigues also contributing to the programme’s success.
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