Protection of journalists is government’s responsibility: Ivan D’Souza

Protection of journalists is government’s responsibility: Ivan D’Souza

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 25, 2026: Legislative Council member Ivan D’Souza said that journalists play a vital role in safeguarding the health of society and that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure protection for journalists who discharge their duties with honesty and integrity.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Mangalore Press Club Day celebrations held on Sunday at the Prerana Hall of the Red Cross Centenary Building in the city.

He lauded journalists for their commitment in reaching incident spots as swiftly as the police and reporting with discretion to ensure that wrong messages do not spread in society.

Award Presentation

The 2016 Mangalore Press Club Award was presented to social worker and founder of Rajakesari Trust, Deepak G. Belthangady.

Mangaluru City Deputy Commissioner of Police H.N. Mithun, who presented the award, said that journalists in Mangaluru work with restraint and social concern. “By recognising selfless contributors, the Press Club has sent a positive message to society,” he said.

Felicitation Ceremony

Senior journalists Balasubrahmanya Kayyar, Ramanna Y., Harsha, Raymond D’Cunha and R.M. Rajendran, who were selected for the Press Honour Award, were felicitated by Ivan D’Souza and senior assistant director of the Department of Information, B.A. Khader Shah.

Media Academy Special Award winner Anand Shetty; KUWJ award recipients Ramakrishna R., Rajesh Shetty Dotta and Abdul Rahiman T.; District Rajyotsava Award recipients Satish Ira, Rajesh Shetty Daddangady and A.K. Kukkila; and Sullia Taluk Kannada Sahitya Parishat award recipient Harish Motukana were also honoured during the programme.

Chairman of the Dakshina Kannada District Unit of the Red Cross Society, CA Shantharam Shetty, presented merit awards to children of journalists.

Mangalore Press Club president P.B. Harish Rai presided over the programme. Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists’ Association president Pushparaj B.N., general secretary Rajesh K. Poojary, Press Bhavan Trust president Annu Mangaluru, and state executive committee member of the Journalists’ Association Srinivas Nayak Indaje were present.

Press Club vice-president Mohammed Arif Padubidri, treasurer Vijay Kotyan Padu, and executive committee members Atmabhushan Bhat, Wilfred D’Souza and Daya Kukkaje introduced the honourees. Press Club general secretary Ibrahim Adkasthala delivered the vote of thanks, while Lokesh Rai compered the programme.