Madikeri :

Journalists play a crucial role as the eyes and ears of society by bringing truth to the forefront and serving as a bridge between the public and those in authority, said social worker and entrepreneur Edikeri Prasanna, Director of Leading Edge Advertising India Private Limited.

He was speaking after inaugurating the annual awards presentation ceremony of the Kodagu Press Club held at the Press Bhavan in Madikeri on Sunday.

Addressing the gathering, Prasanna lauded the efforts of journalists who spend their days chasing stories and informing society. He said it was commendable that media professionals took time once a year to celebrate their contributions and achievements.

“Journalists not only uphold truth but also help wipe the tears of society through responsive and people-centric reporting. Their role in highlighting public issues and bringing relief through media intervention is highly appreciable,” he said.

Prasanna emphasized that social service should be carried out selflessly without expecting rewards. “God always observes the good work we do. Sooner or later, every sincere effort receives its due recognition,” he remarked.

Speaking on the occasion, Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa, President of Souharda Sahakari Niyamita and Vice-President of the Karnataka Working Journalists Association (KUWJ), said human beings are social creatures and cannot live in isolation. He noted that the Kodagu Press Club had established a cooperative institution to help journalists lead self-reliant lives.

Recalling the COVID-19 pandemic, he said journalists were among the few professionals who continued working despite widespread restrictions. “During that difficult period, journalists dedicated themselves to safeguarding public welfare and launched media response initiatives to assist people in distress,” he said.

B.R. Savitha Rai, Director of the Karnataka Working Journalists Association, said awards help society recognize the contribution of journalists and at the same time increase their sense of responsibility.

Presiding over the function, Kodagu Press Club President Bollajira B. Ayyappa urged journalists to focus more on issues affecting society. He pointed out that Kodagu district continues to face significant challenges in the fields of education and healthcare and called upon the media to produce more reports that contribute to addressing these concerns.

Bacharaniyanda Anukaryappa, President of the Kodagu District Working Journalists Association, also addressed the gathering.

During the event, several journalists were honoured with annual awards instituted by the Kodagu Press Club. The Coovercolly Pushpalatha Chandrashekar Award was presented to journalist Santosh Rai, while the Annual Press Club Award was conferred on journalist Bacharaniyanda Anukaryappa. The Chandramohan Award was presented to journalist Hirikara Ravi in recognition of his contributions to the field.

In addition, journalists Naveen D’Souza and Hirikara Ravi, recipients of the endowment award instituted by the Kasaragod District Kannada Journalists Welfare Association, were felicitated. Ismail Kandakere, who received a KUWJ award, was also honoured during the programme.

The gathering also felicitated Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa on his unanimous election as Vice-President of the state journalists’ association, Bacharaniyanda Anukaryappa on becoming the new district association president, B.R. Savitha Rai for her role as state association director, and entrepreneur Edikeri Prasanna for his contributions to society.

The ceremony witnessed the participation of journalists, media professionals, social workers, and dignitaries from across Kodagu district.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka/ by The Hans India / June 08th, 2026