The media must work by keeping in mind the people’s aspirations and expectations, opined Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

Speaking at the valedictory function of the achievers of century in the field of journalism organised as part of golden jubilee celebrations of Udayavani here on Monday, he said the Manipal media has come forward to re-establish values through journalism.

The role of Indian newspapers during the freedom struggle was very great and many newspapers would come in the form of hand bills. The Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi was conveying his message through the newspaper. During that time, the role of the coastal region was great. The first newspaper of Karnataka was started in Mangaluru and this shows visionaries in this region. Sri TMA Pai started the Manipal press and created a revolution not only in Manipal but also across the country in the field of social, economic, academic and culture. Today, Manipal has grown very tall and it is a matter of pride.

Bommai said Udayavani has grown as a voice of Karnataka and journalism is very important in democracy. If democracy is alive it is because of newspapers and visual media. The people are updated with minute to minute happenings around the globe through the media. “Politicians and newspapers have a great relationship as one cannot survive without another. Newspapers with political news are bland and politicians cannot think of a day without newspapers. Ours is like a husband and a wife relationship as each one is important”.