Mumbai: Ayesha Khanum, president of the Karnataka Media Academy, underlined the importance of accuracy, fairness, and accountability in journalism at the Journalists Day 2025 and KT Venugopal KPSM National Maadhyamashree Award ceremony in Mumbai. She praised Kannada media in Maharashtra for reporting from the perspective of Kannadigas, noting that this has given local journalists national recognition.
The event, organised by the Kannadiga Patrakartara Sangha at Solitary Corporate Park, was presided over by Sangha president Rons Bantwal. Guests included senior writer Dr Suneetha M Shetty, Sullia MLA Bhagirathi G Murulya, and media promoter John Wilson Lobo.
Senior journalist D Umapathi, based in New Delhi and originally from Chitradurga, received the National Maadhyamashree Award-2025. He was honoured with a citation, plaque, shawl, bouquet, and Rs 25,000. In his acceptance speech, Umapathi described journalism as a responsibility to deliver truth and serve as the voice of society.
The programme also honoured transgender activist Sridevi Londhe of Kalyan, who highlighted the need for equality and recognition of the third gender. MLA Murulya described journalists as professionals who carry the responsibility of guiding society with books and pens as their tools.
Other speakers stressed the need for discipline, conduct, and social responsibility in media. The event also announced the new KPSM office-bearers for 2025 to 2028, led by president Dr G P Kusuma.
