New Printing complex of Vartha Bharati inaugurated
Mangaluru, May 13: The new printing complex of Vartha Bharati daily was inaugurated on Sunday, May 13 at Baikampady industrial area in the presence of prominent political leaders, social dignitaries and well wishers.
Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes inaugurated the printing complex by pressing the button of new printing machine.
Speaking on this occasion he said that, media needs to adopt changes as per technology. This is also a challenge. During the time when news is available in so many medias including social media, question remains, through which news, dailies can reach the readers. It is commendable that Vartha Bharati has come up as a winner after facing all the challenges and overcoming from all the obstacles. This is not a small achievement.
Abdussalam Puthige, chief editor of Vartha Bharati who had presided over the program said "Vartha Bharati is impartial and secular. We are not loyal to any party or politician. We have been the main criticizers of congress party. Politicians will get disheartened if they expect loyalty from us. This is the policy of our institution. We are well aware that if we pledge our loyalty to one party or politician we will lose our existence. Our's is not a institute of boasting. We will remain opposition to ruling party forever. We will be the voice of voiceless and representatives of non representatives of the society."
Great responsibility on Vartha Bharati
Media has now joined hands with entrepreneurs. Hence, the freedom of speech is missing in media. But Vartha Bharati is free from this accusation. After the birth of social media the freedom of speech has taken a leap. Sometimes it has also posed threat to the democracy. At this crucial period the onus of protecting freedom of speech is on media like Vartha Bharati.
L.K Atheeq, Chief secretary to Chief Minister
Vartha Bharati is the voice of oppressed: Mattu
When profession becomes business it causes disasters. The same has happened with media today. In the time when the achievements of politicians belonging to minority, dalit and backward community are judged on the basis of their religion and caste, one should not indulge in the practice of judging the editors and directors of Vartha Bharati through their religion or caste. Vartha Bharati has never been limited to one religion, caste or community. Its editorial is a proof for this. It has never behaved like a propagator of community, religion or caste. When politicians and capitalists are occupying the media, readers are the life of Vartha Bharati. I wish readers be the owners of the paper.
Dinesh Amin Mattu, Media advisor of Chief Minister
Vartha Bharati should not turn away from media service. It should set a target of at least five years and realise its dreams. That includes bringing out Hubballi edition, a TV channel and a Urdu daily.
Sayyed Muhammad Beary, President, Beary's group, Bengaluru
Minister U.T Khader, MLA Abhayachandra Jain, director of Samvahana campaigns pvt. ltd. Naasir Sayyed, director of Madhyama communications H.M Afroz Assadi, president of state minority development corporation M.A Gafoor, Blossom Fernandez were present as chief guests.
Deputy mayor Muhammad Kunjathbail, corporator Abdurauf, vice president of district youth congress Lukman Bantwal, businessmen Arshad Mohtisham, Mansoor Ahmed Azad, Haaji S.M Rasheed, P.M.A Razaak. P.B Abdul Razak, Sayyed Moideen, Razak of A.K group, Naazim, Saajid, William D'Souza, Bharat, Puneeth banker, Sambhashiva Rao, Venkat Ghani, Bharat Musthafa, Haris, B.A Nazeer, DYFI state president Muneer Katipalla, former president of Beary Academy B.A Muhammad Haneef, Uniwef Karnataka president Rafiuddin Kudroli and others were present.
Hafiz Thauheed Urrahman from Iqra Arabic school recited the Kiraath. Media communication director Yasin Malpe welcommed the gathering. Mangaluru bureau chief of Vartha Bharati Pushparaj B.N proposed the vote of thanks. The program was compered by Rafiq Master.
The messages from CM Siddaramaiah and former minister B.A Mohiuddin and other dignitaries were read on this occasion. Vartha Bharati staff were felicitated with mementos.
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India, Ethiopia elevate ties to strategic partnership as PM Modi holds talks with his counterpart
Addis Ababa (PTI): India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.
Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.
"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.
He thanked PM Ali for his support in India's fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," Modi said.
"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.
Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.
"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.
The two sides signed eight MoUs/agreements, including upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', customs cooperation, establishing data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training cooperation, debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.
In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.
"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Ali said.
He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.
"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.
"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.
"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.
Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.
Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.
In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.
"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.
PM Ali informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.
"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage," Modi said.
In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.
"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM’s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.
"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.
When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.
On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.
India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.
From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.
