Bhatkal: Journalist who are conscious about public and social welfare are very important for the nation's development as they create awareness about the social issues thereby making it possible to find a plausible solution, said MLA Mankal Vaidya.

He was inaugurating the Journalist day and the planting program organized by Bhatkal Journalist Association at Janata Vidyalaya, Shirali.

He asked the reporters to stress on reports pertaining education, poverty and  backward communities. He also credited the construction of the bridge at Henjle to the journalists, since it was possible because of a report published in a newspaper. He also expressed his desire of holding many programmes to strengthen the jounalist Association in the near future. 

IFS officer Damodar A T in his speech said that the reporters have played a greater role in maintaining the solidarity in Bhatkal. Solidarity is possible if we keep away from provocative journalism, he added.

Regarding environmental concern by the reporters, he said the increase in temperature is a global distress and journalist have encouraged others by planting trees.

Principal of Janata Vidyalaya Shirali A B Ramrath presented his special article that journalists have more responsibilities and urged the journalists to work towards strengthening democracy.

President of Bhatkal Journalist Association Vishnu Devadiga presided over the program whereas grama panchayat president Venkatesh Naik and RFO Ravindra addressed the audience.  The Secretary of the Association Mohan Naik welcomed the audience while Ram Chandra Kini presented the opening remarks. Vasant Devadiga thanked the gathering and Lecturer of the Vidyalaya H S Ganga  compered the program.