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Government Duty to Protect Honest Journalists, MLC Ivan D’Souza Praises Media’s Commitment to Social Well-being

By Editor

Posted on May 25, 2026

Government Duty to Protect Honest Journalists, MLC Ivan D'Souza Praises Media's Commitment to Social Well-being

Mangaluru : Inaugurating the Mangaluru Press Club Day celebrations on Sunday at the Prerana Auditorium of the Red Cross Centenary Building, Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Ivan D’Souza emphasized that journalists bear the critical responsibility of maintaining social harmony and health. He noted that it is the government’s duty to safeguard media professionals who discharge their duties with integrity. Praising their commitment, D’Souza highlighted that journalists rush to event spots as fast as the police, exercising immense discretion to ensure erroneous messages do not spread across society.

The event featured the conferment of the prestigious 2026 Mangaluru Press Club Award upon social worker and founder of Rajakesari Trust, Deepak G. Belthangady. Presenting the honor, Mangaluru City Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) H. N. Mithun lauded the local press corps for operating with remarkable restraint and deep-rooted social concern. He remarked that by recognizing selfless contributors like Belthangady, the Press Club continues to deliver a positive message to the wider community.

Presided over by Mangaluru Press Club President P. B. Harish Rai, the ceremony also celebrated academic excellence and veteran contributions. CA Shantharama Shetty, Chairman of the Red Cross Society Dakshina Kannada District Unit, distributed talent awards to the children of media professionals. Additionally, B. A. Khadar Shah, Senior Assistant Director of the Department of Information and Public Relations, extended official honors to several distinguished awardees chosen for the Press Felicitation.

A galaxy of prominent media leaders shared the dais, including Pushparaj B. N., President of the Dakshina Kannada District Working Journalists Association, General Secretary Rajesh K. Poojary, Patrika Bhavana Trust President Annu Mangaluru, and KUWJ State Executive Committee Member Srinivas Nayak Indaje. The awardees were formally introduced to the gathering by senior journalists Mohammad Arif Padubidri, Atmabhushan Bhat, Wilfred D’Souza, Daya Kukkaje, and Vijay Kotian Padu.

The notable segment of the Press Felicitation witnessed honors being bestowed upon Balasubramanya Kayara, Ramanna Y., Harsha, Raymond D’Cunha, and R. M. Rajendran. Furthermore, the platform recognized individual milestones by felicitating Media Academy Special Award winner Anand Shetty, KUWJ awardees Ramakrishna R., Rajesh Shetty Dota, and Abdul Rahiman T., alongside District Rajyotsava Award winners Satish Ira, Rajesh Shetty Daddangadi, A. K. Kukkila, and Sullia Taluk KASAPA awardee Harish Motukana. The event commenced with a welcome and smooth execution by compere Lokesh Rai, concluding with a vote of thanks delivered by Press Club General Secretary Ibrahim Adkasthala.