Bhatkal: Concerns over the declining ethical standards in journalism were echoed during a Press Day celebration organized by the Bhatkal Taluka Working Journalist Association (BTWJA) at The New English PU College on Tuesday. The event featured a special lecture, panel discussions, and a felicitation ceremony to honor notable contributors to society.

Delivering the keynote address on “The Changing Landscape of Journalism,” Arun Shirur, a member of the National Committee of the Working Journalists Association, remarked that journalism is gradually losing its core values. He emphasized that journalists are not vested with special privileges and must carry out their duties with a sense of social responsibility—just like any concerned citizen. Shirur also encouraged students to consider journalism as a career and engage in meaningful public service through the media.

Assistant Forest Officer Girish P.B., who inaugurated the event, highlighted the diminishing habit of newspaper reading in the digital era. He pointed out that regular engagement with newspapers can significantly improve knowledge and critical thinking, especially among the youth.

Presiding over the event, BTWJA President M.R. Manvi emphasized the essential role of the media in fostering peace and harmony in society.

As part of the celebration, three individuals including Maulana Syed Zubair S.M., President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Bhatkal unit and Rama Moger, a prominent activist and member of the Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple Management Committee, were felicitated for their longstanding service in various fields.

Francis D’Souza, who has dedicated over 50 years to newspaper distribution in Bhatkal, was recognized for his invaluable support to journalism through ground-level service.

Others who addressed the gathering included former district journalists’ association president Radhakrishna Bhat and college principal Veerendra Shanbhag. BTWJA Vice President Mohan Naik delivered the welcome address.