Scribes honoured on Narada Jayanthi

The virtues of sage Narada, as an excellent communicator, and the first journalist to have spread wisdom and knowledge were extolled by speakers at the Narada Jayanthi celebrations conducted by Samachara Bharati Cultural Association at the Telugu University auditorium on Sunday.

Celebrated as “Journalist’s Day” the programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp after which the President of the Association B Gopala Reddy highlighted the activities of Samachara Bharati. “Unfortunately no university or organisation associated with mass communication or Public Relations ever bothered to celebrate Narada Jayanti.

We have taken it upon ourselves to celebrate this occasion by honouring journalists with a nationalistic outlook who have made meaningful contributions to the profession,” Dr Reddy said. Chief Guest P Vijaya Babu addressing his last public function as Chief Information Commissioner of the Telugu States called upon journalists to set exemplary standards in the field.

The principal speaker on the occasion J Nandakumar, Akhil Bharatiya Samyojak Pragna Pravah lamented that the country was unable to get over the influence of western thought and distorted history that was thrust on them. “Journalists uphold values and oppose the manner in which journalism is seen as a marketable commodity,’’ he said citing examples of distorted news and ‘the shoot and scuttle’ journalism today.

Four Journalists, Dr Shankaranarayana, PV Sivakumar, Vidyaranya and Aruna Ravikumar were honoured on the occasion. The awardees in their acceptance speeches recalled their journalistic journey and thanked the organisers.