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.
Commercial LPG hike: Delhi restaurant owners warn of higher menu rates, job losses
New Delhi (PTI) A day after a 50 per cent rise in commercial LPG cylinder prices, Delhi's food business, with restaurant owners and street vendors have warned of higher menu rates, financial strain and potential job losses if the trend persists.
The price of commercial LPG was hiked by a steep Rs 993 per 19 kg cylinder, marking the third consecutive monthly hike amid rising global energy prices linked to the West Asia conflict.
For many in the restaurant industry, the spike has been both sudden and steep.
Manpreet Singh, honorary treasurer of the National Restaurant Association of India, said that eateries are already grappling with supply challenges alongside rising costs.
"There is a huge difficulty in getting these cylinders, and black marketing is also increasing in many unregulated sectors," he said, noting that prices that were once around Rs 1,600, often dropping to nearly Rs 1,300 with discounts, have now surged to between Rs 3,000 and Rs 4,000 per cylinder.
He further added that a medium-sized restaurant typically uses between two and five cylinders daily, making the increase particularly burdensome as costs mount.
Singh further said that as costs mount, smaller establishments could struggle to stay afloat. Instead, the association has advised restaurants to shift towards piped natural gas connections through Indraprastha Gas Limited as a more sustainable alternative.
"If this problem continues, PNG is the only long-term solution," he said, adding that temporary measures like coal offer limited relief due to slower cooking times and that it can largely be used only for tandoors.
Echoing similar concerns, Kabir Suri, owner of Mamagoto in Khan Market, said the impact is already visible across the industry. "There has been almost a threefold increase in cylinder prices for restaurants," he said, adding that rising fuel and logistics costs are compounding the pressure.
"If this continues, it will become a significant financial burden, and food prices will inevitably go up. Adding to this burden, higher fuel costs are also affecting logistics and transportation, making a price rise unavoidable. The extent of the impact will vary between small eateries and large chains depending on their scale," he said.
Global oil prices have surged nearly 50 per cent following disruptions in energy supply chains due to the West Asia conflict, pushing up commercial fuel costs and transport expenses.
A West Delhi-based restaurateur said they are trying to manage rising costs while keeping their staff secure. "We are trying to ensure that our staff, from kitchen workers to waiters, are paid on time and do not face immediate hardship," the owner said.
"We are a small restaurant with seating for about 20 to 25 people at a time. But if this continues for long, we will have to take difficult calls. There is only so much we can absorb, and menu prices will have to go up. We hope this does not continue for a longer period," he said.
Another restaurant owner in North Delhi, who did not wish to be named, said operational adjustments alone may not be enough. "We are checking our costs very carefully and trying to cut wherever possible, but if fuel prices remain high, it will eventually affect how we run the business," the owner said.
"Coal helps in tandoor cooking, but it takes more time," the owner further added.
The strain is even more acute among street vendors, many of whom operate on thin margins. A vendor in Saket said he had recently expanded his business, moving from a mobile cart to a rented outlet.
"I have a family to feed and more responsibilities now. Earlier, I managed with a moving cart, but after renting the place, expenses increased," he said. "Whenever cylinders were unavailable, I had to buy them at higher rates in the black market. Now even regular supply is too expensive, and if this continues, we may have to shut down," he added.
In Laxmi Nagar, another vendor said they are struggling to keep the business running. "Sometimes we even used domestic cylinders from home when supply ran out because we had to keep the stall running," he said, adding that rising costs leave little choice but to increase prices or bear losses.
On April 1, the rates of commercial LPG cylinders were hiked by Rs 195.50 per cylinder, followed by a Rs 114.5 hike on March 1, taking the total increase over the past three months to Rs 1,303. With the latest revision, a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder now costs Rs 3,371.5 in Delhi, up from Rs 2,078.5 earlier.
The prices of domestic LPG cylinders used for household cooking have remained unchanged. They were last increased by Rs 60 per 14.2 kg cylinder on March 7 and currently cost Rs 913 in Delhi.
