Yahya Hallare
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Oct 18: The valedictory of the seminar on 'Media and democracy' organised by the Institute of Objective Studies (IOS) was held recently.

The programme commenced with recitation of the Quran by Sulaimaan Khan followed by a brief address by the convener of the session and retired IAS official Azizulla Baig about role and power of media and democracy.

Former resident editor of the The Hindu and chairperson of the first session A Jairam spoke on the topic. Speakers at the session include senior journalist from New Delhi Mohammed Zeyaul Haque, journalist and consultant from New Delhi Raju Mansukhani and resident editor Rashtriya Sahara, Bangalore.

Chairman of Press Council of India Justice Markandey Katju in his valedictory address asked media to be on people's side. He further criticized media for highlighting cricket, Hollywood and celebrity news instead of focusing on social issues such as poverty, unemployment and inflation. This attitude of media diverts mass attention from the real problems in the society.

He strongly opposed the media for blaming whole minority community for terrorist attacks. He said that every community, be it Hindu or Muslim has negative elements in it but that does not mean the whole community is bad.

Chairman of IOS and chief guest at the occasion Manzoor Alam also addressed the gathering. Fifteen IOS awards were given away and Obaidullah Shareef announced construction of new institution at Bangalore.

Aga Sultana welcomed the gathering and compered the sessions. Maulana Sameer Baig recited Quran and Mubeen Munawar presented Ghazals.

Sulaiman Khan delivered vote of thanks.