Shivamogga
Former chairperson of Legislative Council B.L. Shankar has said that the media should take the role of framing public opinion in favour of strengthening in India, as many countries were becoming elected autocracies.
Speaking at an award presentation ceremony organised by Shivamogga Press Trust in Shivamogga on Monday, Mr. Shankar said in the past, the country had the leadership of people like Mahatma Gandhi, B.R. Ambedkar, Lohia, Jayaprakash Nayaran and others, who could influence public opinion while staying away from power politics. “At present there is a vacuum of leadership in the country. I hope the media can definitely fill up the vacuum. The media should consider playing this role in the larger interest of the nation,” he stated.
Referring to developments in the U.S., Russia and China, Mr. Shankar opined that elected autocracy had replaced democracy in many countries. Those who had been elected to power in Russia and China brought in amendments to ensure they stayed in power until their death. “There may be many loopholes within democracy, but we must strive to strengthen it. In India, parties of all ideologies got opportunities to rule,” he said.
Noted writer Kum. Veerabhadrappa recalled the contributions of journalist and writer P. Lankesh to Karnataka. “Lankesh, as a journalist, exposed many politicians and influenced a generation of people through his writings. Following his demise, there is anarchy in Kannada literary world,” he opined.
Shivamogga Press Trust felicitated senior journalists Gopal Yadagere, S. Chandrakanth and K. Thimmappa with the award instituted in memory of P. Lankesh. The award carries ₹20,000 and a memento. Journalists Shivanand Karki of Tirthahalli and H.K.S. Swamy of Sorab were felicitated with Kriyasheela Patrakarta awards. The award carries ₹10,000 in cash and a memento.
C.S. Shadakshari, president of Karnataka State Government Employees Association and N. Manjunath, president of Press Trust were present.
Published - April 15, 2025 07:23 pm IST
