Mysore/Mysuru: Karnataka Media Academy award winning journalists from Mysuru were felicitated by Mysuru District Journalists Association (MDJA) at a programme organised at its premises on Thyagaraja Road in K.R. Mohalla here yesterday.

Speaking as the Chief Guest on the occasion, MP Pratap Simha, who himself is a former journalist, said that working in newspapers will help scribes improve their language and writing skills.

Stressing on the need for journalists to work in the print media for atleast a few years before changing over to electronic media, Simha said that according to him, most of those working in visual media do not have command over Kannada language, which is unfortunate. Hence, they should work atleast for a few years in newspapers to learn the nuances of the language,  he contended.

Pointing out that a majority in the electronic media had worked in the print media for years, Simha observed that allowing internees to work in newspapers as trainees will help in improving their language and fine tuning of their skills. It is a matter of delight that as many as 10 journalists from Mysuru have bagged the prestigious State-level Karnataka Media Academy award, he added.

Referring to politics, Simha said that contractors can execute quality works only if politicians and officials stay away from corruption. Recalling that he took personal interest in getting Rs.3 crore sanctioned for Ring Road lighting work, which in fact was not his job, the MP said that the Ring Road saw lighting only after the money was released. Stating that Rs.10 crore  more was needed for the Ring Road streetlight project, he said he would discuss the matter with MUDA officials.

Stating that the Ring Road must be made garbage free, the MP said that people should develop a civic sense on the issue and refrain from dumping wastes and garbage along the road.

MDJA President S.T. Ravikumar in his address, said that it is matter of joy that as many as 10 journalists from Mysuru have bagged the Media Academy award which has enhanced the pride of Mysuru District Journalists Association.

Pointing out that the MDJA has been sanctioned a site at a developed layout, he said that it has been planned to invite Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai for laying the foundation stone for the building before the Model Code of Conduct for the Assembly polls comes into force. He sought the help of the MP in this regard.

Karnataka Media Academy award winners —  Shankar Bennur (The Hindu), K.P. Nagaraj (Public TV), Mullur Shivaprasad (Andolana), K.B. Ramesh Nayak  (Andolana), Mullur Raju (Vijayavani), photo journalist Nagesh Panathale (Vijay Karnataka), V.R. Shivakumar (Vijayavani, Hunsur reporter) and A.M. Suresh (Udayavani) were felicitated on the occasion.