20th August, 2018, Jammu/Banglore : Over 800 journalists from the Indian Federation of Working Journalists came together for the 71st National Council Meet at The Art of Living International Center in Bengaluru. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder, Art of Living, former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde, Sampath Raj, Mayor of Bengaluru, and BV Mallikarjun were among those who inaugurated the conference on Saturday.
Speaking at the conference, Gurudev urged journalists to uphold human values in society through their work, and said that it is their responsibility to keep hope alive in people. “We need to find our own style of journalism, that’s aligned with the people at the grassroots. It is my wish and blessing that journalism in India reaches such heights that India should be looked up to by the entire world,” he said, addressing the gathering.
The two day meet reiterated the need for free, fair and independent journalism to keep the spirit of democracy alive. Bengaluru’s Mayor Sampath Raj announced a grant of 1 crore towards healthcare fund for journalists and their families. The conference also saw the participation of KC Ramamurthy, Rajya Sabha member, Basavaraja Patil, Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister and Mr SN Syamasunder, Chief Editor of Asianet Kannada.
