Media professionals are eyes and ears of society: Pramoda Devi Wadiyar

Mysore/Mysuru: Observing that fact checking and ensuring source reliability in Journalism is fundamental to the media, member of the erstwhile Royal family Pramoda Devi Wadiyar maintained that media professionals are the eyes and ears of the society.

She was speaking after inaugurating Journotri’23, a two-day State-level Manasa Media Fest organised by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Mysore (UoM), at Rani Bahadur auditorium, Manasagangothri,  Hunsur road here on Monday.

Noting that Communication is an integral part of news media, Pramoda Devi said that ‘unbiased’ and ‘dispassionate’ perspective is the foundation of Journalism. She called upon Journalism students to make best use of latest technology for their career growth.

Senior Journalist Sudarshan Channangihalli too spoke. Bengaluru North University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Niranjan Vanalli, a former faculty of UoM’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communication,  joined the event via video conference.

Former senior Professors  of the Department N. Usharani, B.P. Maheshchandra Guru, K.J. Joseph, G.P. Shivaram, R.N. Padmanabha and S. Thippeswamy were felicitated on the occasion.

 Students from 24 institutions across the State took part in contests like Microcine – Short film-making, Dhwani – RJ, Connect the dots – creative story writing, Power of pen – Report writing, Mojo trending – Mobile Journalism, CamEYEon – PTC, Quiz busters, Vagmaya – debate, Tintype – Photography, Poster Picasso – poster making and Mad Ad Mania – mad ads.

Chairperson of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication Prof. M.S. Sapna and others were present. Later, a cultural evening was held.

Journotri’23 is celebrating 50 years of academic excellence of UoM  in the field of Mass Communication and Journalism. Launched in 1971, it was the first Post-Graduate Department in the subject in Karnataka.

Valedictory

Speaking at the valedictory of Journotri’23 on Tuesday, New Channel Presenter Avinash Yuvan said the functioning of Media too is undergoing changes with the advancements in technology. Maintaining that a lot of efforts is needed for success in the Print or Visual Media, he said one must overcome the ups and downs and move forward for growth in the media field.

UoM Finance Officer Dr. Sangeetha Gajanan Bhat said that she was very much appreciative of the activities of Journalism and Mass Communication Department. Maintaining that Department students are always engaged in one activity or the other, she lauded them for bringing laurels to the University.

Observing that one begins his/her activities of the day by reading a newspaper, Dr. Sangeetha said that several people will not be satisfied until they watch TVs for the latest news or updates of the goings on in the country and the world. It is for this reason the field of Journalism and Mass Communication has been attracting people the most, she said.

Research student of the Department K.S. Manjunath, who has been selected (from Karnataka) to take part in National Youth Parliament, was feted on the occasion. Department faculty

Dr. C.K. Puttaswamy and Dr. N. Mamatha, Social worker H.M. Muthuraj and others were present.