Siddaramaiah lauds Vartha Bharati, calls it 'voice of voiceless', flag bearer of truth
CM releases Vartha Bharati’s 22nd Annual Special Edition and launches globalkannadiga.com
Bengaluru: Describing Vartha Bharati as the “voice of the voiceless” and a steadfast proponent of truth in journalism, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lauded the newspaper’s 22-year journey of delivering accurate and reliable information. Speaking at the release of Vartha Bharati’s 22nd Annual Special Edition, he emphasised the publication’s role in shedding light on societal issues and ensuring government accountability.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah released the 22nd annual special edition of Vartha Bharati and handed over the first copies to Ambika Mandya and Manjunath Koppal, who represented the readers.
The event, held at the CM’s official residence, Krishna, also witnessed the launch of globalkannadiga.com, a dedicated website catering to the Kannada diaspora worldwide. Additionally, CM Siddaramaiah released the book Nijada Soojimone, a collection of columns by Balasubramanya Kanjarpane published under the title Anugala.
Speaking at the event, CM Siddaramaiah expressed his appreciation for the newspaper, saying, “I am pleased to release Vartha Bharati’s Annual Special Edition and inaugurate the globalkannadiga.com website. Vartha Bharati has always been the voice of the voiceless, growing significantly over the years. It ensures that people receive accurate information. I read Vartha Bharati regularly, as it highlights societal issues and assesses whether the central and state governments are people-oriented.”
He emphasised the importance of truth and objectivity in journalism, saying, “The press must remain truthful and objective. Society has been plagued by caste inequalities and deprivation of education. Vartha Bharati has worked as a voice for the marginalised. Media should continue to work towards building a humane society devoid of hatred and filled with mutual respect and love.”
CM Siddaramaiah also commented on the book Nijada Soojimone, highlighting the role of columns in addressing societal flaws. He hoped the globalkannadiga.com website would become a platform for Kannadigas worldwide to voice their concerns.
Prakash Raj on Vartha Bharati’s role in Karnataka’s social fabric
Renowned multilingual actor Prakash Raj released the collection of Vartha Bharati’s editorials during the event. Speaking on the occasion, he said, “In today’s times, the role of the media is crucial. Releasing Vartha Bharati’s collection of editorials is an honour. Reading its editorials is a unique experience. Vartha Bharati safeguards Karnataka’s social fabric with fearless and honest journalism. I hope it continues to work for the people and remain committed to its principles.”
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao congratulates Vartha Bharati
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao congratulated Vartha Bharati on the launch of the Global Kannadiga website, which aims to deliver global news in Kannada to the diaspora. “Vartha Bharati has been at the forefront of presenting progressive and logical content. It truthfully reports news and has become the voice of Kannadigas across Karnataka. Their effort to connect with Kannadigas worldwide through globalkannadiga.com is commendable. I wish them success,” he said.
Prominent guests attend the event
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Housing, Wakf, and Minority Welfare Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan; Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh; MLA Shivalingegowda; CM’s Political Secretary Naseer Ahmed; Vice President of the NRI Committee Dr. Aarthi Krishna; CM’s Additional Chief Secretary L.K. Atheeq; writer Agrahara Krishnamurthy; Bearys Group Chairman Syed Mohammad Beary; CM’s Media Advisor K.V. Prabhakar; Vartha Bharati Chief Editor Abdussalam Puthige; and Director Yaseen Malpe.
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Another North Goa nightclub sealed; Kejriwal says corruption led to fire tragedy
Panaji (PTI): As part of a crackdown against tourist establishments violating laws and safety norms in the aftermath of the Arpora fire tragedy, Goa authorities on Saturday sealed a renowned club at Vagator and revoked the fire department NOC of another club.
Cafe CO2 Goa, located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach in North Goa, was sealed. The move came two days after Goya Club, also in Vagator, was shut down for alleged violations of rules.
Elsewhere, campaigning for local body polls, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora, which claimed 25 lives on December 6, happened because the BJP government in the state was corrupt.
An inspection of Cafe CO2 Goa by a state government-appointed team revealed that the establishment, with a seating capacity of 250, did not possess a no-objection certificate (NOC) of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The club, which sits atop Ozrant Cliff, also did not have structural stability, the team found.
The Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday also revoked the NOC issued to Diaz Pool Club and Bar at Anjuna as the fire extinguishers installed in the establishment were found to be inadequate, said divisional fire officer Shripad Gawas.
A notice was issued to Nitin Wadhwa, the partner of the club, he said in the order.
Campaigning at Chimbel village near Panaji in support of his party's Zilla Panchayat election candidate, Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal said the nightclub fire at Arpora happened because of the "corruption of the Pramod Sawant-led state government."
"Why this fire incident happened? I read in the newspapers that the nightclub had no occupancy certificate, no building licence, no excise licence, no construction licence or trade licence. The entire club was illegal but still it was going on," he said.
"How could it go on? Couldn't Pramod Sawant or anyone else see it? I was told that hafta (bribe) was being paid," the former Delhi chief minister said.
A person can not work without bribing officials in the coastal state, Kejriwal said, alleging that officers, MLAs and even ministers are accepting bribes.
