D.K. Working Journalists’ Union president expresses gratitude; highlights major achievements

D.K. Working Journalists’ Union president expresses gratitude; highlights major achievements

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 10, 2025: I extend my heartfelt thanks to my journalist colleagues for giving me the opportunity to serve as the President of the Dakshina Kannada District Working Journalists’ Association for two consecutive terms — from August 4, 2018, to November 7, 2025.

During our tenure, we have given special emphasis to the health and welfare of journalists. A Media Health Club was established at the Press Club in association with A.J. Institute of Medical Sciences, offering free health check-ups for journalists and their family members. Health cards under Kshema and Manipal Health Scheme have also been distributed to members.

A Journalists’ Welfare Fund was launched, and health insurance coverage worth ₹10 lakh was provided to association members over the past two years.
A Journalists’ Housing Cooperative Society has been initiated to help journalists acquire residential plots at affordable rates. A proposal has been submitted to the state government seeking allocation of three acres of government land at Permanki Padavu, under Neermarga Gram Panchayat limits, for this purpose.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, financial assistance of ₹14 lakh was provided by the state government to four families. Additionally, with the support of the Labour Department and SCDCC Bank, food kits were distributed to all journalists.

Five District Journalists’ Conferences have been organized, during which achievers and senior journalists were honoured for their contributions. The association also hosted a State-level Journalists’ Conference and the State-level Brand Mangalore Cricket Tournament.

Social Initiatives

Through the Grama Vasthavya (village stay) program, journalists actively contributed to several rural development initiatives. Successful programs were conducted in Kuthluru (Belthangady taluk), Madappady and Kollamogaru (Sullia taluk), Siribagilu (Kadaba taluk), and Sulyapadavu (Puttur taluk).

In Kuthluru Government School, grants worth over ₹50 lakh were secured from various companies and government sources. In Madappady, a 3 km road was constructed at a cost of ₹1.5 crore. The Bijai Kapikad Anganwadi was developed through donations.

The Brand Mangalore initiative has helped elevate Mangalore’s identity on the global stage. The program, originally launched by the Journalists’ Association, is now being continued by the Canara Chamber of Commerce and Industry and CREDAI.

Future Plans

Establishment of Brand Mangalore International Council:

Aiming to promote Mangalore on a global platform, this council will include public representatives, officials, journalists, and entrepreneurs.

Formation of a Grama Vasthavya Follow-up Committee:

Committees will be formed at the village level to ensure the continuation of development works initiated during the village stay programs.