Many organisations and individuals have initiated several service programs to help society during the Corona crisis. At this critical stage, the journalists have come forward, travelled at their risk, collected all such information, then informed the society, inspiring others to extend their helping hand, a truly courageous and significant contribution from journalists, said Dr Annadanam Subramaniam, Sah-Karyavaha of RSS Telangana and editor of Sphoorti monthly magazine.
Dr Annadanam Subramaniam addressed the program “Pen Warriors in the time of Corona” organised by Samachara Bharati Cultural Association at Keshava Memorial Law College Hyderabad on 20 February 2021.
He recalled the several heroic contributions of many journalists during the Corona crisis. He observed that people developed awareness for personal hygiene and the human side generously supported the needy.
He lauded journalists for writing the inspiring stories of dedicated medical professionals, sanitation workers and police. Journalists have become the eyes, ears and hands of society. They played a leading role in creating social resolve and fighting dissonance in society.
Despite the adage of ‘The pen is greater than the sword’, the nationalist spirit that appeared in the pre- independence press now seems to have waned somewhat, Dr Subramaniam opined.
He urged journalists to widen their coverage by reporting the inspiring works of farmers, workers, and others who silently contribute to the nation. He also requested them to continue their constructive role in society.
Sri Vallishwar, a senior journalist, who presided over the event, said that Corona had rendered some good despite the period’s hardships. Being entirely confined to homes during the lockdown has indirectly strengthened the bond in the family members.
The entire society had the opportunity to learn about global developments and learned to exchange news and views from home using social media.
Sri Vallishwar also said that journalists themselves had participated in many service programs and actively reported about them, including the activities of RSS inspired Sewa Bharati’s, which are widely appreciated by many in society.
He said instead of protecting journalists’ financial, health issues, the big media houses distanced themselves by downsizing their list of journalists rather than supporting them when they needed them the most. He regretted this as the dark side of the big media houses waiting for an opportunity to control their finances.
The journalists and attendees of the event pay their homage to fellow journalists who succumbed to the pandemic.
After the formal launch of the event by a senior journalist Sri Vidyaranya, Corona affected journalists Sri Narsinga Rao, Sri Mallesham, Sri Veerappa, Sri Siddhu and Smt Devika shared their horrific personal and social experiences in defeating the Corona.
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