“Unity of nationalist forces essential to counter divisive elements in media ecosystem,” says IYR Krishna Rao

“The media ecosystem is changing decisively since the advent of social media, particularly in Bharat (India), where their role goes beyond merely disseminating information. Media has always played a significant role in influencing public opinion and building a sense of national pride in our country. Since divisive forces today threaten the nation’s social fabric, nationalist forces must be developed through a coordinated media strategy to address these concerns and preserve national integrity”, said IYR Krishna Rao, former chief secretary of Andhra Pradesh, while addressing the journalists present at Narada Jayanti celebrations on May 24 at Hyderabad.

In his keynote address at Narada Jayanti programme, conducted by Samachara Bharati Cultural Association, he adds that even the Maharshi Narada may not survive in today’s cut-throat political environment, which affects the media sector too. In the context of Telugu media, organisations like Eenadu and various magazines have nurtured great talent and launched the careers of many senior journalists. However, over time, the standards of many institutions, including media, have declined. As people and values evolve, so do the benchmarks in the media sector.

Young journalist Sri Mallesham explained why Narada is regarded as the first journalist. Narada jayanti falls on Vaisakha Bahula Vidiya, Maharshi Narada is considered as the world’s first information disseminator. He was a great pandit, he has written many great works, including Narada Bhakti Sutralu. On the auspicious occasion of Narada Jayanti, Samachara Bharati Puraskars were presented to senior and yuva journalists and photo-journalists on the occasion.

Senior journalist Sri Gullapudi Srinivas Kumar has received Vadlamudi Rammohan Rao Memorial Award. He has nearly 3 decades of experience in print, electronic and digital media. Currently, he is working as a digital content editor for Jagriti Weekly and Vishwa Samavada Kendra, Telangana.

Sri Yabaluri Sitarama Sarma, a senior journalist with over 40 years of experience and currently serving as Editor of Andhra Prabha daily, was awarded the Bandaru Srinivas Rao Memorial Award.

Dr Chiruvolu Parthasarathi, Senior journalist and columnist and Sri Kandikattu Durga Narasimha Rao, senior photo journalist were awarded on this occasion. Samachara Bharati Ujjwala Mahila Puraskar was presented to senior journalist Smt Ponnapalli Nagavani. Samachara Bharati Yuva Puraskar was awarded to senior journalist Sri Gangam Mahesh Reddy.

All the awardees spoke briefly expressing their gratitude to Samachara Bharati for awards, they also briefly recounted their experiences in the field of journalism.

On this occasion, Sri Gopal Reddy, president of Samachara Bharati Culturel Association, explained Samachara Bharati’s aims and objectives, as well as how it is engaged in its 25-year journey to instill nationalistic thoughts and inspiration among people working in the media sector.

Samachara Bharati actively promotes a nationalist viewpoint through a range of initiatives aimed at different sectors of society. It publishes “Lokahitham,” an 8-page monthly bulletin specifically designed for rural audiences, ensuring that the nationalist narrative reaches even the most remote villages. The organisation also fosters cinematic talent and patriotic storytelling through the bi-annual Kakatiya Film Festival, which showcases short films.

In the realm of literature, it hosts the prestigious Golkonda Literary Festival, celebrating and promoting nationalist themes in contemporary writing. For journalists, the organisation offers professional development through workshops and the annual Narada Jayanti event, which honours exemplary journalism rooted in nationalist values.

Recognising the power of digital platforms, it organises the Social Media Sangamam, a forum dedicated to enhancing the impact of nationalist discourse online. Furthermore, the organisation holds various events and seminars throughout the year, creating spaces for dialogue and education on nationalist issues.

To complement these activities, Samachara Bharati runs the Vishwa Samvada Kendra, a comprehensive nationalist portal that serves as a hub for news, analysis, and resources aligned with its mission.

The event saw the participation of nearly 130 journalists from a diverse array of media outlets, including print, electronic, and digital platforms. Among them were former recipients of the prestigious SamacharaBharati awards.