Yogesh K Porwar
“Khadri Shamanna was an influential Journalist”.
Journalism is a highly influential profession,and while remaining vigilant in a democracy is essential,working for the welfare of the people is equally important.
Journalism carries out that duty,said former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai.
He was speaking at the Khadri Shamanna Journalism Award ceremony organized by the Khadri Shamanna Memorial Trust at Seshadripuram College here on Saturday,where a senior journalist,Koodli Gururaj was conferred with the award.
Bommai said he was happy that this award has been given to his close friend.He saw Khadri Shamanna in 1978,shortly after the Emergency period ended.At that time,V.N.Kulkarni was well-known across the world.
In Karnataka,Khadri Shamanna was a prominent figure who stood strongly against the Emergency.Journalism is a powerful profession,and just as vigilance is crucial in a democracy, so is working in the public interest.I believe journalism fulfills this role”.
The former CM said Khadri Shamanna was highly influential. Even while he was alive,governments that came to power would consult him before making decisions. Journalism is very challenging.
Sometimes there are conflicting opinions for and against an issue.But when a journalist takes a stand for the truth, it becomes significant.
There are times when one may have to go against their own earlier stance, and during such moments,one must take a clear and firm stand.Khadri Shamanna was someone who always did that.
Koodli Gururaj,who grew under his guidance,is a reflection of that legacy.”I used to read his articles when he was with Kannada Prabha in Hubballi”.
Bommai said in 1998,he contested an election from a local body,and there was a rebel candidate from his own party.
For 24 days,the newspapers wrote against him.One reporter even titled an article ‘Sun Has Set.’But despite that,he won with the highest number of votes.
A close bond:
He said there is an inseparable relationship between journalists and politicians.Without political news, newspapers lack appeal.
Likewise,if a politician doesn’t appear in the media, it’s as if they don’t exist.Madan Mohan guided him greatly. Because of his guidance,he was able to participate effectively in debates in both the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council.
Former CM Ramakrishna Hegde used to ask whether Madan Mohan was present at press conferences. Politicians were wary of him.
“The BJP MP said journalists play a role in keeping politicians on their toes.During discussions of a change in his government,he was in Delhi and had secured approval for seven irrigation projects from the Centre.
Despite the political turmoil, journalist Umapathi wrote an analytical article appreciating the fact that he had secured those approvals.That showed him that good work is recognized by the media.
” A piece in Vijaya Karnataka about the Tungabhadra project inspired me. It played a role in implementing the Tungabhadra canal project,” he said.
A deserving award
He said Gururaj has written extensively about North Karnataka.He never seeks publicity. His dedication and integrity have earned him a well-deserved award. Congratulations to him.
The fact that he expressed a wish to receive the award from him will always remain in his heart.
The event was attended by several senior journalists and dignitaries including Gandhi Bhavan President Woode P. Krishna,retired Assam Central University Vice-Chancellor Prof.K.V. Nagaraj,folklore scholar Meerasabihalli Shivanna,award recipient Koodli Gururaj, and Khadri Shamanna Memorial Trust President H.R.Sreesha.
