Mysore/Mysuru: Senior journalist Vishweshwar Bhat emphasised the significance of wildlife in parallel to the political discourse, highlighting that just as the statements of the Chief Minister hold weight for newspapers, the sounds of nature are equally crucial.

His remarks came during the release of four works by journalist Ithichanda Ramesh Uthappa: “Kaadu Helida Kathe,” “Haavu, Nambike Haagu Manovaignanika Vishleshane,” “Aane, Badalaada Varthane,” and “Arjuna, Ninna Mareyalenthu Naa.”

The event, jointly organised by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Mysore (UoM), Akshara Mantapa Prakashana in Bengaluru and the Mysuru Cultural Association, was held recently at Vijnana Bhavan in Manasagangothri.

Bhat underscored the scarcity of coverage on wildlife compared to the abundance of political reporting, praising Ramesh Uthappa for being one of the few journalists who extensively covers wildlife.

He lamented the lack of interest in reporting on wildlife, the visits of wildlife experts, Nobel laureates, and similar events. Bhat underscored the importance of journalists being well-read, particularly about notable figures like M.S. Swaminathan, when engaging with them.

He noted that many journalists hesitate to interact with such personalities, but it is during these interactions that the true capacity of a journalist is tested.

He further suggested that with the growing emphasis on wildlife and environmental issues, there is ample opportunity for establishing a dedicated channel and launching a magazine focused on wildlife. Uthappa’s works, he added, provide much-needed information and valuable insights into wildlife studies.

Prof. N.K. Lokanath, Vice- Chancellor of UoM, stressed the necessity for language to maintain freshness and creativity to sustain reader interest and engagement. He expressed concern over the declining quality of writing in newspapers, stressing the importance of continuously evolving language with new words and encouraging people to cultivate a habit of reading and writing daily.

Senior journalist Ravindra Bhat remarked on the profound teachings of forests, underlining their role in teaching humanity to coexist with nature, ecology and the environment. He lamented the increasing trend towards an anti-nature lifestyle and opined that a harmonious society can only be built by embracing a lifestyle in harmony with nature.

Journalists Ravi Hegde and Sudarshan Channangihalli, along with Kannada Book Authority Chairman Manasa, also shared their thoughts on the occasion.

Prof. M.S. Sapna, Head of the UoM Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, presided. A.P. Nagesh from the Mysuru Cultural Association, Chetan Kanabur from Akshara Mantapa Prakashana, author Ramesh Uthappa and others were also present.