Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS/ANK)

Mangaluru, Oct 15: Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists' Association, Mangaluru Press Club and Pathrika Bhavan trust have come up with a novel idea of creating awareness among the general public regarding the district. The result of this planning is the birth of 'Brand Mangaluru' and ‘Journalists’ Grama Vastavya’ programme which was launched by chief minister H D Kumaraswamy at TMA Pai Hall here on Sunday, October 14.

Speaking on the occasion H D Kumaraswamy said, "District journalists have come forward with the concept of ‘Brand Mangalore’ and ‘Grama Vastavya’ to bring problems to the notice of the government and we will assure that we will support this cause. Mangaluru can definitely grow to a higher level. A small incident triggers violence in Mangaluru. If everyone join hands in the development process, then no one can match up to Mangaluru and can overtake Bengaluru in education and health. Hence we need to think of creating an atmosphere to create jobs here instead of going abroad,”

"Our government treasury has Rs 10,000 crore and we don't have any problem in releasing it for the development and support farmers. Officials are not able to match my speed of work and have given free hand to them to work and clear the files immediately,” he said.

He further said, "Opposition is giving statements that coalition government will soon collapse. But they should know the reality; our government is safe and will not collapse,”

“Several demands of the journalists such as providing bus passes, health, housing site and pension are on hold. These demands will be taken into consideration immediately because I know the difficulties journalists’ face,” he said.

President of district working journalists’ union Srinivas Indaje said, "The concept of ‘Brand Mangaluru’ came to my mind in the year 2006. I have also placed several demands of journalists’ with the chief minister such as providing bus passes for journalists’ and many more,”

“Even the process to provide health cards for journalists’ will be initiated soon. Their family will be treated and the health card will be provided during Deepavali at NITTE K S Hegde hospital,” he added.

On behalf of district working journalists’ association, a cheque of Rs 51,000 was given to chief minister’s relief fund for flood-affected Kodagu.

Meanwhile chief minister H D Kumaraswamy released the logo of ‘Brand Mangaluru.’

District working journalists’ association general secretary Ibrahim Adkastala welcomed the gathering; P B Harish Rai compered the programme.

Minister for Urban Development U T Khader, mayor Bhaskar Moily, MLC Ivan D’souza, MLA South Vedavyas Kamath, MLC Bojegowda, MLC B M Farooq, former district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai, former MLAs Mohideen Bava, Shakuntala Shetty, Ocean Pearl hotel vice-president B N Girish and others were present.

What is Brand Mangaluru?

From time immemorial the district of Dakshina Kannada (DK) is known for its unique geographical features, the natural beauty of its coast, its sweetness of harmonious existence among people of different communities and the celebration of various languages and culture. DK, which is considered as a land of educated, well-mannered and cultured people is always a place of peace and harmony. Every year festivals like Bakrid, Nativity of Birth of Virgin Mary and Ganeshotsava are celebrated by everyone regardless of the caste or religion to which one belongs to.

However, since quite some time certain developments which are a blot to the image of our district are occurring. The bad deeds of a handful of people is being blown out of proportion and made to depict as if it is the actual image of Mangaluru. It might be the media or social sites. So this issue was brought up for discussion in the Working Journalists' Association of Dakshina Kannada district. Mangaluru should be known by its real essence of goodness rather than the evil which is a very minimal percentage of it. 'Brand Mangaluru' is the project that is evolved by the association to create awareness about this issue.

“We do not want our holy Dakshina Kannada district to be labelled as a district of that is communally sensitive. We have to accept the naked truth that certain organizations, which represent political parties, are doing this dirty job due to their fundamental ideology. Because of this political leaders, who are not aware of the culture of this district and who do not know the actual facts are spreading the wrong picture of DK as they are jealous of the development of this district,” say journalists’ union.

Awareness for journalists

Brand Mangaluru will also create awareness among the journalists with regards to their behaviour, as responsible citizens, during communal disturbances or incidents that take place in the district.

It has been decided by the association to conduct a special programme in the presence of deputy commissioner, police commissioner, senior officers and religious leaders. In addition, it is decided to create awareness at colleges of the district also. 'Brand Mangaluru' is a year-long programme and awareness will be created during this period in various ways.

Grama Vastavya of journalists

Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists' Association has decided to conduct 'Grama Vastavya' or village stay from this year. The members of the association will visit the most backward village in the district along with the senior officials of the administration of the district. It is decided to hold a meeting of the villagers in the village itself and hear to their woes and give solutions on the spot.

The DK working journalists' association and taluk working journalists' association will jointly follow up the progress of the solutions that are taken during the village stay programme. Unless and until the demands of the selected village are not completed, the association will not take up a new village for development and solution of their problems.