Kannada television has long way to go to gain maturity'

July 1, 2013

Mangalore, Jul 1: Television journalism will undergo a great change and mature significantly in the next 10 years, said associate news editor of Vijaya Karnataka, Bangalore, Lokesh Kayarga.

Speaking on 'Changing trends in media' on the occasion of Press Day programme organised by Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists' Union at Press Club here on Monday, he said that Kannada news channels gave more emphasis to their speech than visuals these days, focusing more on aspects such as glamour and crime. Kannada television has a long way to go to reach a certain level of maturity, he said, adding that Kannada web news portals have remained relatively backward in terms of readership.

“As there is lesser readership for news portals in Kannada, it has become inevitable to propagate news through mobile apps on the lines of English dailies. These apps should be used to reach out to Kannada readers,” he said.

Sharing his views on challenges faced by print media, he said that the major problem was that the local editions of dailies were limited to their own regions, and the news in these editions did not reach other parts of the state, or country.

“Local issues of importance should reach other regions. But today with more and more local editions coming into place, this is not happening.

The plight of victims and families affected by Endosulfan, which should have been highlighted as an issue of national concern, has become confined to coastal areas with no far-reaching effects. This is a failure not of the news, but of journalism in itself,” he said adding that magazines of vernacular languages also faced the problem of reduced readership and circulation, since the target audience tended to deviate towards television.

He also lamented that no efforts were made to encourage, develop or retain new reporters in the field of journalism. No training camps or workshops are held for fresh reporters to develop their talent, he said.

Speaking after inaugurating the programme, executive editor of Kannada weekly Taranga U B Rajalakshmi said that the role of women in media was increasing in recent times.

Three decades ago, women were confined to desk jobs due to late and long hours in the field. Now, a study has found that there were several women working in the field of journalism, with greater opportunities. However, there is a need to introspect why there are fewer women journalists working in investigative journalism, crime, business and sports, she said and pointed that there was staleness in news along with deteriorated language, matter and lack of study in journalism. There is a need for workshops to coach young journalists in language and other aspects of writing, she said.

A three-day exhibition featuring cartoons by cartoonists of the coastal region was inaugurated in the premises of Press Club in Urwa. Over 140 cartoons by 29 cartoonists were featured in the exhibition.

On the same occasion a portrait of Hermann Mogling was unveiled.

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Philanthropist, Visionary Entrepreneur, A K Group Founder M Ahmed passes away

coastaldigest.com news network

October 8,2024

Mangaluru, Oct 8: The city of Mangaluru mourns the loss of M Ahmed, a pioneering businessman, philanthropist, and the Founder Chairman of the AK Group. He passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades of service, innovation, and community building.

M Ahmed, also fondly known as A K Ahmed, was a man of humble beginnings who grew into one of the most respected entrepreneurs in South India. He founded the AK Group in 1984, which has since flourished into a multi-faceted business empire. The company, which began as a small frame manufacturing unit, now encompasses a wide range of industries, including plywood, formaldehyde, particle boards, fire-rated products, and more. AK Group's growth extended beyond India, with manufacturing units established in Myanmar and Vietnam.

What began with 18 employees in 1984 has today expanded to provide employment to approximately 3,000 people in India and 400 abroad. M Ahmed’s dedication and vision were instrumental in transforming the company into a market leader, recognized for its high-quality products and innovation. AK Plywood is now one of India’s top plywood manufacturers, and the largest in South India. The company was Karnataka’s first plywood manufacturer to receive ISO certification and has garnered prestigious awards, including the Rising Stars Power Brands Award in London (2017) and the Best Manufacturer Award from MSME Karnataka (2018).

Ahmed’s business success was deeply rooted in values instilled in him during his early years. He worked alongside his father, the late Abdul Khader Moopa, loading sawn timber, and it was from these humble beginnings that he developed his work ethic, pioneering spirit, and respect for time—values that remained the cornerstone of his remarkable career.

His foresight was evident when he recognized the potential of timber from Perumbavoor, Kerala, for plywood and blockboards at a time when it was merely being used as firewood. This strategic move led to the establishment of one of the first frame manufacturing and peeling units there, and soon after, Ahmed launched his own company in Mangaluru, swiftly earning national and international recognition.

Beyond plywood, the AK Group has diversified into multiple industries, including marine food, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, hypermarkets in India and the UAE, and food industries in Indonesia. Under Ahmed’s leadership, the company’s reach expanded, ensuring its position as a formidable player in various sectors.

Ahmed was not only an extraordinary businessman but also a deeply compassionate individual, dedicated to social and religious causes. He served as the founding president of the managing committee of Ihsan Masjid in Mangaluru and established the Highland Educational and Cultural Centre. His philanthropic efforts were as vast as his business ventures, benefiting countless communities both in India and abroad.

His kindness, simplicity, and punctuality were hallmarks of his character. Those who knew him admired his unyielding commitment to excellence, as well as his warmth and generosity. M Ahmed is survived by his wife, three daughters, and four sons, who continue his legacy of philanthropy and social service.

As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from all sectors of society. Social, religious, and political leaders in Mangaluru expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of a man who dedicated his life to improving the lives of others.

M Ahmed’s journey from humble beginnings to massive success will continue to inspire generations. His life serves as a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and, above all, integrity.

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