Mangaluru: The occasion of the inauguration of new office of Newskarnataka.com was blessed by heads of three religions.

After lighting the lamp, all the religious heads, in their address emphasized on the need for media today to focus on issues that could bring in social change.

Kemar Mutt Sri Sri Eshavittaldas Swamiji said that it was indeed a matter of pride that a non-corrupt person like former Lokayukta Justice N Santhosh Hegde and a social reformer like Harekala Hajabba have graced the office inauguration ceremony.

Talking about his own experience while being a part of the recently called bundh against Yettinahole fight, the Seer said that though the bundh received massive response, the newspapers seemed indifferent as far as coverage was concerned.

Citing example of former president APJ Abdul Kalam’s significant visit to the US, he said that despite India’s President visitingthe US for the first time, the US media had flashed a farmers’ protest news on the first page.
“It is important that we give priority to the issues pertaining the farmers. We need to be voice of the voiceless and do good to the society,” said the Seer.

Media corrupted

St Aloysius College Vice-Principal Fr Francis D’ Almeida raised concern over how political parties and corporates owning media houses is doing irreversible damage.

“If political parties and corporates own media, how can there be free media. Media is getting corrupted, due to which there is no progress. Though there is superficial progress, what about the common people,” he said
Talking about plight of farmers who have lost land for big companies in the region, Fr D’Almeida said that while some could rehabilitate themselves with the compensation package given in lieu of land, many have been left in lurch.

“What is their future,” he questioned adding that even after the land is given away for developmental projects, the farmers should continue to be the owners of the land. “Like in many countries, the farmers here must be given annual royalty from the government so as to empower them,” he said.

Powerful tool for change

Zeenath Baksh Kendra Juma Masjid Mangaluru, Sadakathulla Faizy Khateeb said that media has the power to bring change in the society.

“India is a country with diversity and there is a need to preserve the diversity, specially in wake of attempts being made to weaken the country. We need to protect the country from social injustice, attack on environment, communalism and corruption. Youth must join hands with media to wipe out corruption,” he said citing example of how Arab Spring could bring in new governments into existence in several countries only due to social media.

Be fair journalists

Earlier Guest of Honour Karnataka Bank General Manager Meera L B Aranha said that journalists must try to be fair journalists, who would present facts without manipulating it.

“A fair journalist must not be governed by readership, TRP etc. He must make way for fair debate,” she said.

Akshara Santha Harekala Hajabba wished newskarnataka.com, newskannada.com and Spearhead Media good luck.