Mangaluru: Former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda emphasized the transformative power of the media, stating that objective and impartial journalism can be a strong force for societal change. He was speaking at the inauguration of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Dakshina Kannada District Working Journalists’ Union, held at Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall, Mangaluru.
Gowda stressed that media must remain unbiased and fact-based. Highlighting concerns over digital platforms, he remarked, “While print and electronic media are regulated, social media functions without checks, and its misuse must be addressed.”
The event was presided over by Mangaluru City South MLA Vedavyas Kamath. Srinivas Nayak Indaje, the Union’s President, delivered the keynote address, while former president K. Anand Shetty reflected on the association’s five-decade journey.
As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, the prestigious Honorary Award was conferred upon Dr. M. Mohan Alva, President of Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri.
The special edition ‘Madhyama Bimba’ was released by Ravi Hegde, Editor-in-Chief of Kannada Prabha, and former MP Nalin Kumar Kateel. A documentary film was launched by NRI entrepreneur Zakaria Jokatte.
Notable attendees included MLAs Dr. Y. Bharath Shetty and Rajesh Naik, Adani Group President Kishore Alva, and former Mayor K. Divakar.
A seminar on “Present and Future of Media” featured insights from senior journalists B. Ravindra Shetty and Walter Nandalike, chaired by Ravi Hegde.
Other dignitaries included Ramakrishna R., Jayaram Rai, Jagannath Shetty Bala, Anand G. Pai, Aikala Harish Shetty, Annu Mangalore, B.A. Khadar Shah, and Ibrahim Adkathsthala.
The event opened with a welcome address by P.B. Harish Rai, followed by a vote of thanks from Jitendra Kundeshwar. The programme was compered by journalist Dinesh Ira.