Former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda emphasized that media can spark social transformation—but only if it remains unbiased and objective. He was speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Dakshina Kannada District Working Journalists’ Union held at Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall, Mangaluru, on Wednesday.
Gowda cautioned against the unchecked misuse of social media, pointing out that while print and electronic media are governed by regulations, social platforms lack oversight, leading to widespread misinformation. “It is essential to discuss this issue, especially during a milestone like the Golden Jubilee,” he said.
The event was presided over by Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyas Kamath, with Press Club President Harish Rai delivering the welcome address. Union President Srinivas Nayak Indaje presented the keynote speech, while former president K. Anand Shetty traced the journey of the association.
As part of the festivities, the Golden Jubilee Honorary Award was presented to Dr. M. Mohan Alva, Chairman of Alva’s Education Foundation. A special edition titled ‘Madhyama Bimba’ was launched by Editor-in-Chief Ravi Hegde and former MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, and a documentary was unveiled by entrepreneur Zakaria Jokatte.
A seminar on the “Present and Future of Media” featured papers by senior journalists B. Ravindra Shetty and Walter Nandalike, with Ravi Hegde chairing the discussion.
Dignitaries from politics, business, and media graced the celebration, with General Secretary Jitendra Kundeshwar delivering the vote of thanks.