‘Lok-Hita’ should be the motive of journalism –  Prafulla Ketkar at VSK Media Awards at Bengaluru

Journalists should come together, discuss, and deliberate on societal problems. He emphasized that Lok-Hita (public good) should be their primary motive. Prafulla Ketkar, the editor of Organiser weekly magazine, addressed the gathering at the VSK Media Awards 2024 ceremony, organised by Vishwa Samvada Kendra at BMS Engineering College, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru.

Narada Maharshi is recognised as the first journalist of our country because he was a constant institution of communication in ancient times. However, due to his depiction in a negative light through fake narratives, his significance went unnoticed by the common public. In fact, he played a vital role in protecting Dharma, Ketkar said.

A person in any occupation should have Bhakti (conviction) towards their work. They should learn through experience, verification, and visiting various places, gaining knowledge. Narada Maharshi embodied these qualities, which are emphasized in the Narada Sutra. Ketkar opined that “fake news” is a misnomer; instead, it’s “fake narratives” that are the challenge for present-day journalism. The media world should work towards finding solutions to these fake narratives. Language, geographical differences, and regionality were never our identity, as our culture celebrates diversity. However, these differences have been used to divide society. Journalists should strive to communicate the right story to the right person.

RSS Dakshin Madhya Kshetra Sanghachalak Dr. P. Vaman Shenoy, Vishwa Samvada Kendra Karnataka Trustee Srinivasa Bhat, and chief guest Prafulla Ketkar felicitated the awardees.

Editor of Vijayakarnataka newspaper Sudarshan Channangihalli received the Thi. Tha. Sharma Journalism Award, Editor of Asianet Suvarna News Ajith Hanamakkanavar received the Chandrasekhara Bhandari Journalism Award, Editor of Sthrijagriti magazine Shobha H. G received the B.S. Malya Journalism Award, H. V. Seshadri Columnist Award was received by renowned columnist Prof. Premashekhara, and the VSK Digital Media Award was received by Dr. Purvi Jayaraj.

Trustees of VSK Karnataka, thinkers, lecturers, social activists, writers, and other eminent personalities were present at the program.