VB Digital Channel : 2023 - Year of outstanding achievements - Appeal for active Participation
Dear viewers,
2023 is indeed a year of pride for all the viewers and supporters of Vartha Bharati (VB) Digital Channel.
The year witnessed significant growth in the reach and popularity of your favorite channel. Throughout the year, we've ventured into new territories, successfully attracting a substantial number of new viewers.
For VB the year 2023 is memorable as the year of delivering countless innovative, outstanding and widely appreciated programs. These programs have reached millions of viewers and helped VB emerge as the most popular, trusted and rapidly growing alternative channel in the Kannada digital media space.
In 2023, VB extended its reach to the grassroot levels in various parts of the state and beyond. It brought you stories from diverse locations and exclusive ground reports, unavailable elsewhere in Kannada.
Vartha Bharati YouTube channel has presented numerous special reports and analyses, focusing on various events and developments that impact the lives of diverse classes and communities such as farmers, laborers, women, backward classes, Dalits, minorities, etc. Many of the VB reports this year were noted for being instrumental in shedding light on many harsh realities that might have gone unnoticed, otherwise. These reports have opened the eyes of the citizens and alerted the rulers by drawing their attention towards different dimensions of many crucial societal issues.
This year, many of the programs produced by the VB YouTube channel were appreciated particularly for offering comprehensive information and insightful analysis. These programs related to local, regional, national and even global issues have fostered healthy debates, providing platforms for discussions and dialogues on topics concerning public interest.
In 2023, VB YouTube channel showcased a record number of special humanitarian reports and exclusive stories from across the state, featuring hidden talents, silently active social workers, exemplary models of harmonious coexistence, memorable life experiences and outstanding performers who conquered challenges. All these reports were enthusiastically watched by millions. Team VB received highly encouraging response from thousands of viewers who approached and interacted with our team in the context of the said programs. Thanks to our reports, the government officials, NGOs, organisations and concerned citizens reached the doorsteps of those featured, showed their respect and extended their support. VB reports in many instances played a remarkable role in resolving many civic and social problems across the state.
VB teams swiftly reached the spot and presented their credible report on almost every significant event in the state. Following are only a few examples:
Feticide scam in Mandya FB Link : https://bit.ly/4astBdQ> , Boycott of Muslim traders https://bit.ly/3QyYvde , Parashurama statue scam in Karkala FB Link: https://bit.ly/3GVMOqQ , Chaitra Kundapur Scandal https://bit.ly/3sS6191 ,Dalit children made to clean sewage pit in Kolar FB Link: https://bit.ly/4az04zi , Heavy toll extortion on Mysore Expressway https://bit.ly/3LpsDVH , Idris Pasha Murder Case in Mandya FB Link : https://bit.ly/48rvNBb , Farmer Suicides in North Karnataka https://bit.ly/48rvQNn , Suicide by an entire family in Tumkur abetted by loan mafia https://bit.ly/3sKGaQZ , Dalit woman stripped naked in Belgavi https://bit.ly/3NJh2Bg , Murder of a Dalit in Bengaluru for drinking water FB Link : https://bit.ly/3RzMYZX , Killing of 4 from a single family in Udupi FB Link : https://bit.ly/3TARavb.
In all these cases, our teams visited the spot, gathered information, official version, eyewitness accounts and public opinion on the event and sent video reports directly from ground zero. Such reports lead to great results. They create awareness, result in bringing justice to the victims, legal actions against culpritsand have a lasting impact on the society.
This year, Vartha Bharati has achieved remarkable success on social media platforms. 43 special video stories produced by VB have garnered over 10 lakh views on Facebook, with 19 videos surpassing 20 lakh views. Impressively, 5 videos have achieved more than 30 lakh views, while 3 videos have crossed the milestone of 40 lakh views. Additionally, on Instagram, 5 Vartha Bharati videos have received more than 10 lakh views.
It is noteworthy that Vartha Bharati has consistently occupied the No. 1 position on Facebook and Instagram for the past four to five years, maintaining the same position this year as well. Among all major Kannada newspapers, Vartha Bharati has achieved the highest number of shared stories, the highest number of comments, the highest video shares, the highest interaction rate and the highest average video views.
The series of programs presented by VB channel focussing on Karnataka Assembly Elections over a course of six months was widely acclaimed in all the circles. Political analysts and critical observers lauded these programs for sparking debates and dialogues on truly relevant issues, positively educating and shaping public opinion across the state. The programs, including "Voter's Mind" [Playlist: https://bit.ly/3RU4JV4 , "Interview with Leaders" [Playlist: https://bit.ly/4ayeZcV , "Introducing Constituencies" Playlist: https://bit.ly/3vc7acW , "Debate between Party Spokespersons" [Playlist: https://bit.ly/3NJnubs , Coverage of the campaign trail of each candidate and analysis by experts [Playlist: https://bit.ly/3TFT65x , were well received.
VB channel has taken a special initiative to promote moderation, harmony, mutual trust and spirit of harmonious coexistence in the society. We have emphasized these values through various programs and reports. We have presented living examples of individuals, families and communities co-existing in perfect harmony and supporting each other, from every corner of the state. You can witness the positive impact by visiting our YouTube links: https://bit.ly/3QncnXg.https://bit.ly/3LHXjQ2 .
Last year (2022), VB Channel had extensively covered the farmers' movement at the Delhi border, providing in-depth insights. This year (2023), our team conducted live and on-the-ground reporting on significant events such as the conspiracy behind communal violence in Haryana’s Nuh [YouTube Link: https://bit.ly/3EkrrOH , Rajasthan Assembly elections etc. [YouTube Link: https://bit.ly/47PmsSX .
'The Big Debate' series hosted by Manjula Mastikatte on VB Channel, stands out as the most healthy and enlightening debate program in Kannada. This series has attracted leaders from various political parties, spokespersons, subject experts, analysts, and thinkers. These engaging debates have attracted a large audience from all corners of the country, making it a must-watch for those seeking informed discussions. Playlist Link: https://bit.ly/3vfQTnn .
'Samakaleena' the show hosted by Shivsundar, proudly completed its three 300th episode in 2023. It stands out as one of the most popular and talked-about shows on VB Channel and has earned a distinctive reputation for the treasure of information and comprehensive analysis it offers on current affairs. 'Samakalaeena' is well known today as the go-to source for academicians, journalists, scholars, politicians, students, researchers, and social activists in the state. https://bit.ly/3TEoktC .
This year, VB Channel proudly presented new documentaries and short films for our viewers. Among them, the documentary highlighting 'Podichoru' (delivering free food from door to door to government hospitals in Kerala) https://bit.ly/3NGMm3n was greatly admired by the viewers. Our short film on the occasion of Independence swiftly went viral https://bit.ly/3tHlCJg .
The enthusiastic response from the readers and the viewers to VB Channel's coverage of the Assembly elections has prompted us to launch a special series in anticipation of the upcoming Parliamentary elections. We have launched the series titled 'Lok Samarakke Munnudi,' starting in December. This series will feature a range of programs, providing information on the Lok Sabha's format, details of past elections, history of the past governments, socio-political conditions in various states, party wise strengths and introductions to all 28 constituencies in Karnataka. As the elections draw nearer, constituency-wise ground reports will also be broadcast. Playlist Link : https://bit.ly/3RB4OM1 .
Throughout its adventurous journey of consistently creating unique and creative programs, the team VB's enthusiasm has remained undeterred, despite all the challenges and the extremely limited resources available at its disposal. The phenomenal growth achieved by team VB this year, under all the adverse circumstances has deservedly enthused its supporters. today, your Team VB stands with renewed vigor, committed to bring forth much better, more engaging, innovative and game changing programs in 2024.
Starting 1st January 2024, we are launching 'Vartha Bharati Stories' - a new YouTube channel. This channel will be dedicated to distinctive programs covering a wide range of non-political topics such as social issues, culture, lifestyle, health, sports, food, and achievements. We invite you to subscribe and support this new venture.
We are grateful for your moral and financial support along the way. May your cooperation, support, and encouragement increase tenfold in the coming days. Currently, there is a significant gap between the number of people who appreciate Vartha Bharati and those who pay for its annual subscription. Let's work together towards reducing this gap. Please join us in our efforts to persuade more and more readers and viewers to pay for their annual subscription and thereby support independent media .
If you haven't clicked the Subscribe button on our YouTube channel, please do it today. It's a free and easy service. Remember to hit the like button for your favorite show, share your opinion in the comments section and share the link with friends and family on WhatsApp. The more likes and comments we receive, the more YouTube will showcase our video to others. So, remember to like, comment, and share - please don't forget these three.
Abdussalam Puthige,
Editor in Chief,
On behalf of Team VB
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
London, Nov 22: A bomb disposal squad deployed as a “precaution” to the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport concluded an investigation into a "security incident" on Friday after making a “suspect package” safe.
The South Terminal of Gatwick Airport, the UK's second busiest airport after Heathrow, which was briefly shut owing to the incident reopened following the incident.
The Gatwick is around 45 km south of London.
Two people detained during the enquiries have since been allowed to continue their journey as the airport was opened.
“Police have concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport. Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator,” Sussex Police said in an updated statement.
“Two people detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys. There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel,” the statement added.
Earlier on Friday, the incident caused severe disruption at the busy airport’s South Terminal, while the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport remained unaffected.
“Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20 am on Friday (November 22) following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage,” a Sussex Police statement said.
“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with. As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport. This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible,” it said.
Footage on social media taken outside the airport showed crowds of frustrated travellers being moved away from the terminal building.
Gatwick said it was working hard to resolve the issue.
“A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident," the airport said in a social media post.
“Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
Train and bus services that serve the airport were also impacted while the police carried out their inquiries.
In an unrelated incident in south London on Friday morning, the US Embassy area in Nine Elms by the River Thames was the scene of a controlled explosion by Scotland Yard dealing with what they believe may have been a “hoax device”.
“We can confirm the 'loud bang' reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers,” the Metropolitan Police said in a post on X.
“Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down,” it added.
