Journalists should be Champions of Human Rights – Kantharaj during KJU Media Workshop
Mangaluru: Karnataka Journalists Union (R) in association with University College, organized a Media workshop at the Ravindra Kala Bhavan, University College Mangaluru here on January 16.
The programme began with an invocation. District KJU president Harish Bantwal welcomed the gathering.
The programme was inaugurated by the President of Madhyama Academy Siddaraju by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais.
Addressing the gathering MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said, “Media is the fourth pillar of Democracy. When the Legislature and Judiciary become corrupt it is the duty of the Media to correct them. But if the media becomes corrupt who will correct the Judiciary and the Legislature? It is dangerous if the Judiciary and Media become corrupt. Many times politicians make mistakes and Journalists correct them through their writings. In olden days the media field was very tough. There were no enough facilities but now social media is very fast and in the process of giving breaking news mistakes are being done. Because of the increase in social media, there is a danger to the Media field.”
MP Nalin further said, “Television journalists work under pressure to give breaking and colourful news. Journalists should follow the constitutional rights of the people and work. If the legislature goes in the wrong way, Media should correct it. Journalists have a responsibility while writing reports, today’s workshop will benefit the budding journalists. Being a responsible MP, it is my duty to be transparent likewise, journalists should be transparent and work with integrity. The media in DK has its own identity, let all journalists work to retain this identity. I wish all the KJU members all the very best.”
Addressing the gathering Siddaraju said, “Today running the media has become a business be it Print or Electronic media. We now see more advertisements in the media than news. From the past two days, the news about Yeddyurappa taking charge as the CM with 114 seats on January 16 is being telecasted in the electronic media. The electronic media is not serious about the news but only look for breaking news. As a media, we should give news that benefits the people and society. Social Media has killed the growth of journalists since people read the news on social media and believe it without confirming it to be true or fake. We journalists become the prosecutors and judges and give the judgement. We need to understand our responsibility and perform it well.”
Siddaraju further said, “Journalism students should understand their syllabus. If the Judiciary and Media become corrupt it is dangerous for the country. Who will correct the journalists if they become corrupt and how will they correct the society if they are corrupt?” Siddaraju questioned.
President of Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission (KSBCC) Kantharaj H briefed on “The role of media in protecting the rights under the Constitution”. Kantharaju said, “We need to understand our rights under the constitution. What are our Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties are sections of the Constitution of India that prescribe the fundamental obligations of the states to its citizens and the duties and the rights of the citizens to the State? These sections comprise a constitutional bill of rights for government policy-making and the behaviour and conduct of citizens. The Fundamental Rights are defined as the basic human rights of all citizens. These rights, defined in Part III of the Constitution, are applied irrespective of race, place of birth, religion, caste, creed, or gender. They are enforceable by the courts, subject to specific restrictions. The Directive Principles of State Policy are guidelines for the framing of laws by the government. These provisions, set out in Part IV of the Constitution, are not enforceable by the courts, but the principles on which they are based are fundamental guidelines for governance that the State is expected to apply in framing policies and passing laws”.
Kantharaju further said, “The Fundamental Duties are defined as moral obligations of all citizens to help promote a spirit of patriotism and to uphold the unity of the country. These duties set out in Part IV–A of the Constitution, concern individuals and the nation. Like the Directive Principles, they are not enforceable by courts unless otherwise made enforceable by parliamentary law. Indian constitution is not a jellyfish to cut into pieces as you like. The basic structure of the Indian Constitution cannot be changed. Even the parliament cannot change the constitution. If there are no rights people cannot lead a peaceful life and the fundamental rights are very much important in the constitution. What is the source of fundamental rights? The Constitution has given us the right to live, right to education, the right to freedom of speech and expression. We have liberty and freedom but there is a restriction to protect other rights too. When we write something we need to be within our limits and we cannot violate it. The political field is also important but Judiciary and Media is more important because if the legislature will be in danger the Media and judiciary should protect it. Journalism students should learn the duty to respect. Journalists should protect their rights by becoming the champions of human rights. Our democracy is not merely a democracy but it is a participatory democracy.”
Karnataka Journalists Union medical Fund was inaugurated by Minister U T Khader on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering Minister U T Khader said, “It is good to see KJU in association with Mangaluru University College holding the workshop on media. I don’t want to advise anything because I myself take advice from journalists. Journalists have a special responsibility to make the society strong. I will support the journalists within my capacity. Today I am donating Rs 50,000 for the journalists Medical Fund. I also congratulate the Karnataka Journalists Union for organizing the workshop for budding journalists.”
State president of KJU Narayana, Chancellor of University College Mangaluru K M Khan and Principal of University College Uday Kumar also spoke on the occasion. Dr Ganapathi Gowda delivered the vote of thanks.
