Presenting the VM Korath memorial national award, instituted by RSS inspired organisation, Thapasya, to leading journalist Shri MV Kamath in Kozhikode on October 14, Leader of Opposition Shri LK Advani said journalists should essentially be nationalist. ?Journalists should have nationalist thought and social consciousness. It is not a mere employment but a tool for justice and social commitment. Only dedicated journalists can have clear vision of nation and life. There are so many dedicated journalists in the nation'shistory and Shri MV Kamath is one of the leading persons amongst them,? Shri Advani said.
Presiding over the function RSS ideologue and Bharateeya Vichara Kendram Director Padmasri P. Parameswaran said terrorism, a global feature, has become a day-to-day affair in Bharat with hundreds becoming victims. ?Kerala has become a training ground and safe house of jehadi extremists. Even men convicted for death by Supreme Court are not being punished for fear of losing Muslim vote-banks?. He said the media should have the guts to expose such vote bank politics, instead of blindly attacking RSS and Hindu beliefs.
Shri MV Kamath thanked the Thapasya for honouring him. ?I am greatly honoured in receiving the award from Shri LK Advani, a towering personality in Indian politics, a true nationalist and above all a journalist.? He said journalism has come to such a low that it is guided by money power and blackmail. He called for throwing away the words secularism and minority, which were curses on India. He called for evolution of a new journalistic culture deep rooted in the traditions, values and ethos of Bharat.
Poet Mahakavi Akkitham lighted the lamp and Dr Madhavankutty draped Shri Advani and Shri Kamath with Kerala shawl. Poet Narayana Kurup, BJP leader O. Rajagopal, journalists KP Roy, KP Mohanan and literary critic Asha Menon offered felicitations. Janmabhoomi editor Hari S Kartha introduced Shri MV Kamath.
By S Chandrasekhar
