Mysuru: Marking ‘Pathrika Dinacharane’ (Kannada Press Day), Prajnavantha Nagarike Vedike members garlanded the statue of late M. Venkatakrishnaiah (Thathaiah) in Thathaiah Park opposite City Bus Stand  on July 1 as Thathaiah is remembered as the Father of Journalism even today.

Sweets were distributed and people who had gathered were requested to read Kannada newspapers which were also distributed to them.

Speaking on the occasion, District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Dr. Y.D. Rajanna recalled that Thathaiah in 1883 entered journalism through ‘Hithabodhini’ newspaper and further strengthened the foundation of Kannada Journalism through ‘Sadhvi’, ‘Vruthanta’, ‘Chintamani’, ‘Mysore Herald’ and other newspapers. He added that the Philanthropic Thathaiah also established Anathalaya to help poor students.

Mysuru City and District Brahmana Sangha President D.T. Prakash contended that journalists work round-the-clock with a little time left to spend with their families. He asked scribes to function in the interest of society in an unbiased manner without getting cowed by influential elements.

Journalist Maheshwaran, BSP City President Dr. Basavaraj, Social Activist K. Raghuram, BJP leader Mohan, Mysuru Rakshana Vedike President M.K. Premkumar, Vedike President Kadakola Jagadish and others were present on the occasion.