Mangaluru: Minister for Tourism C P Yogeshwar launched Journalists’ Welfare Fund here at Hotel Ocean Pearl on Saturday, March 20, in a program organized by Dakshina Kannada District Working Journalists’ Union (DKDWJU), Mangaluru Press Club, and Patrika Bhavan Trust.

Addressing the gathering, minister Yogeshwar said, “For me, the tourism portfolio was accidental. Journalists are often involved in the tourism sector because they have a unique perspective on how to establish tourist destinations in their respective regions. Journalists respect themselves by pushing themselves to their limits. Since I began working in the film industry, they have always been my guides.  I will handover Rs 5 lac to this fund. The government will unquestionably support the journalists.”

Former minister Krishna J Palemar said, “Journalists are suffering as a result of the pandemic, as many have lost their jobs and had their salaries reduced by 30%. Even paying hospital bills is a challenge for middle-class families. Journalists would benefit from the establishment of the welfare fund. I will also contribute Rs 5 lakh to the fund.”

President of DKDWJU Srinivas Nayak Indaje welcomed the gathering. Ravindra Shetty compered the event.

Mayor Premananda Shetty, president of Mangaluru press club Annu Mangaluru, president of Patrika Bhavan Trust Ananda Shetty, general secretary DKDWJU Ibrahim Adkastala, and state executive committee member Jagannath Shetty Bala were present.